megszegni

Me gs zegni is a Hungarian verb meaning to violate or breach a rule, law, contract, or norm. It is a transitive verb used with a direct object in the accusative, for example, megszegni a törvényt (to violate the law) or megszegni a szerződést (to breach the contract). The action is understood as a breach of an obligation or standard and can denote either intentional wrongdoing or negligence, depending on context. The term appears in legal, political, and journalistic language as well as in everyday speech when criticizing conduct.

Usage and nuances: Megszegni describes noncompliance with formal rules or accepted norms, and it often carries a critical or disapproving tone when applied to individuals or institutions. The accompanying noun megszegés refers to the act of violation itself (e.g., a megszegés következményei, the consequences of the violation). In legal contexts, megszegés can have specific implications regarding liability, penalties, or remedies, though exact consequences vary by jurisdiction and context. The verb is typically contrasted with betartani (to comply/observe) and with related terms such as áthágás (transgression) or megsértés (infringement).

Examples and related terms: A vállalat megszegte a szerződést. (The company breached the contract.) A politikus megszegte a választási ígéretét. (The politician violated the campaign promise.) The phrase a törvény megszegése refers to the violation of the law. Related terms include áthágás, megsértés, and the opposite betartás.