v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Violates p. pr. & vb. n. Violating. ] [ L. violatus, p. p. of violare to violate, fr. vis strength, force. See Violent. ] 1. To treat in a violent manner; to abuse. [ 1913 Webster ] His wife Boadicea violated with stripes, his daughters with rape. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To do violence to, as to anything that should be held sacred or respected; to profane; to desecrate; to break forcibly; to trench upon; to infringe. [ 1913 Webster ] Violated vows 'Twixt the souls of friend and friend. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Oft have they violated The temple, oft the law, with foul affronts. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To disturb; to interrupt. “Employed, it seems, to violate sleep.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To commit rape on; to ravish; to outrage. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To injure; disturb; interrupt; infringe; transgress; profane; deflour; debauch; dishonor. [ 1913 Webster ] |