I. ˈvīəˌlāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English violaten, from Latin violatus, past participle of violare to treat with violence, injure, violate; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim
1. : to fail to keep : break , disregard
violate the law
2. : to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of ; specifically : to commit rape on
violate a woman
3.
a. : to fail to show the requisite respect for : treat or handle in a disrespectful or high-handed manner : profane , desecrate
violate a shrine
violate personal liberty
b. obsolete : to damage or destroy especially by violence
4. : to interfere with by interruption or disturbance
violate an individual's privacy
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin violatus, past participle of violare
archaic : violated
• vi·o·late·ly adverb , archaic