v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Contravened p. pr. & vb. n. Contravening. ] [ LL. contravenire; L. contra + venire to come: cf. F. contrevenir. See Come. ] 1. To meet in the way of opposition; to come into conflict with; to oppose; to contradict; to obstruct the operation of; to defeat. [ 1913 Webster ] So plain a proposition . . . was not likely to be contravened. Southey. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To violate; to nullify; to be inconsistent with; as, to contravene a law. [ 1913 Webster ] Laws that place the subjects in such a state contravene the first principles of the compact of authority. Johnson. Syn. -- To contradict; set aside; nullify; defeat; cross; obstruct; baffle; thwart. [ 1913 Webster ] |