Contravene
/ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/noun
To violate or go against a law, rule, or command.
Did you know?Contravene entered English through law and authority: its core idea is not rebellion in the abstract, but physically ‘coming against’ a rule, from Latin roots tied to confrontation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
contravenīre
“to come against, oppose, or run counter to”
Late Latin
Latin
contravenire
“to oppose or infringe”
Old French
Old French
contravener
“to oppose, violate”
14th-15th Century
English
contravenen
“to act in opposition to a law or command”
Modern English
English
contravene
“to violate or be inconsistent with a rule, law, or principle”