contravene
To violate or go against a rule, law, or agreement
Examples
In a meeting
“The new policy contravenes our existing data privacy commitments to clients.”
Over coffee
“Parking there would contravene the neighborhood association rules.”
Why this word
violate
Contravene means to act against or conflict with a rule; violate is breaking it, but contravene fits formal legal register better
break
Break is informal; contravene is the precise legal term for acting in opposition to established rules or laws
disobey
Disobey implies willful refusal; contravene is the formal legal term for being in conflict with provisions
Usage tip
Use when actions conflict with established rules or agreements; implies a breach of formal standards.
Etymology
Latin 'contravenire' (contra- 'against' + venire 'come')
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Related words
adhere
To stick firmly to a rule, standard, or decision
enforce
To make sure a rule or law is obeyed
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings