contravention

noun

con·​tra·​ven·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce contravention (audio)
: the act of contravening : violation

Examples of contravention in a Sentence

a clandestine weapons program that was a contravention of the international arms agreement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This exceptional prohibition is in contravention to U.S. sanctions policy and contrary to national interests. Christine Ahn, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024 During peace talks presided over by three U.S. administrations, Israelis and Palestinians argued about which of the settlements—all of which were built in contravention of international law—would stay and which would go. Omar M. Dajani, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2024 In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law. Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024 This would be unacceptable and stand in direct contravention to our system of law and government. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for contravention 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Late Latin contravenire — more at contravene

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contravention was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near contravention

Cite this Entry

“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contravention. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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