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.

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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The new building design contravenes safety regulations.”
📚Related Words
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