Contravene

usgb/ˌkɑːntrəˈviːn/
verb

To break a rule or law.

The company was found to be contravening safety regulations.
Visual representation of "contravene" - to break a rule or law

Often appears as...

  • contravene regulations
  • contravene the law

Usage tips

Disapproving

Legal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "contravene"
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Legal Context

Use 'contravene' in legal or formal settings when talking about breaking rules or laws.

Illustration for Legal Context
Distributing unlicensed copies of software will contravene intellectual property laws.
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Serious Tone

'Contravene' implies a serious violation and may suggest consequences for the act.

Illustration for Serious Tone
By ignoring the cease and desist letter, the company continued to contravene the trademark.
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Business Regulations

Commonly used in business contexts to refer to companies breaking industry rules.

Illustration for Business Regulations
The advert was pulled off air because it contravened advertising standards.
Visual representation of the word "Contravene"

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