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contravene — to act in opposition to (a law, treaty, or other ruling)

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to act in opposition to (a law, treaty, or other ruling)

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːntrəˈviːn/

Example Sentences

  • His flashy dance moves contravened the school's 'no fun allowed' policy.
  • The company's actions contravene environmental protection laws.
  • My cat's behavior contravenes every rule of pet etiquette I've tried to teach.

contravene

VERB

[/ˌkɑːntrəˈviːn/]

to act in opposition to (a law, treaty, or other ruling)

The factory's toxic dumping contravenes every environmental law on the books.
💡 Concept

The factory's toxic dumping contravenes every environmental law on the books.

CONTRA(against) + VENE(come) — by deciding to VENE(come) directly CONTRA(against) the clear safety guidelines, the arrogant worker contravened company policy.
🧠 Mnemonic

CONTRA(against) + VENE(come) — by deciding to VENE(come) directly CONTRA(against) the clear safety guidelines, the arrogant worker contravened company policy.

Completely ignoring the strict daily safety routine, the reckless worker climbed the fence to purposefully contravene the rules.
🎵 Rhyme

Completely ignoring the strict daily safety routine, the reckless worker climbed the fence to purposefully contravene the rules.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌkɑːntrəˈviːn/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcontra--
Rootven
Suffix--e

Origin

From Latin 'contravenire', composed of 'contra' (against) and 'venire' (to come). The word entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning 'to come against' or 'to oppose'.

Breakdown

contra- (against) + ven (come) + -e (verb infinitive marker) = contravene (to act against or oppose)

🎵Rhyme

intervene
submarine
routine

🔗Collocations

contravene the law
contravene regulations
contravene principles
contravene international treaties
contravene human rights

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“His flashy dance moves contravened the school's 'no fun allowed' policy.”

“The company's actions contravene environmental protection laws.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat's behavior contravenes every rule of pet etiquette I've tried to teach.”

“The new building design contravenes safety regulations.”

📚Related Words

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