Violate \Vi"o*late\, 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.

His wife Boadicea violated with stripes, his daughters with rape. --Milton.

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.

Violated vows 'Twixt the souls of friend and friend. --Shak.

Oft have they violated The temple, oft the law, with foul affronts. --Milton.

3. To disturb; to interrupt. ``Employed, it seems, to violate sleep.'' --Milton.

4. To commit rape on; to ravish; to outrage.

Syn: To injure; disturb; interrupt; infringe; transgress; profane; deflour; debauch; dishonor.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)