Contravene

Contravene is a transitive verb used to describe actions that violate or go against a law, regulation, treaty, contract, or standard. It implies a direct action or behavior that breaches codified requirements and is commonly found in legal or formal contexts.

The verb is typically used with the object that is contravened, as in contravene a statute, contravene safety regulations, contravene the terms of a contract, or contravene international obligations. It can also describe actions that conflict with a rule or norm.

Etymology: From Old French contravenir, from Latin contravenire, contra “against” + venire “to come.”

Usage notes: Contravene carries a formal tone and is more likely to be used in official documents or scholarly writing. In everyday language, verbs such as violate, breach, or infringe may be preferred depending on context. Relation to other terms: While related to breach or violate, contravene emphasizes a direct violation or conflict with codified rules, standards, or obligations rather than general wrongdoing.