transitive verb violated -·lat′ed, violating -·lat′·ing

1. to break (a law, rule, promise, etc.); fail to keep or observe; infringe on
2. to commit a sexual assault on; esp., to rape (a woman)
3. to desecrate or profane (something sacred)
4. to break in upon; interrupt thoughtlessly; disturb to violate someone's privacy
5. to offend, insult, or outrage to violate one's sense of decency

Etymology: ME violaten < L violatus, pp. of violare, to use force or violence, akin to vis, force