contravene

[kon-truh-veen]

verb (used with object)

contravened, contravening 

1. to come or be in conflict with; go or act against; deny or oppose.

   to contravene a statement.

2. to violate, infringe, or transgress.

   to contravene the law.

contravene

/ ˌkɒntrəˈviːn, ˌkɒntrəˈvɛnʃən /

verb

1. to come into conflict with or infringe (rules, laws, etc)

2. to dispute or contradict (a statement, proposition, etc)

Other Word Forms

• contravention noun
• contravener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contravene¹

1560–70; < Late Latin contrāvenīre, equivalent to Latin contrā against + venīre to come

Word History and Origins

Origin of contravene¹

C16: from Late Latin contrāvenīre, from Latin _contra- + venīre to come

Example Sentences

Experts have also questioned whether the killing of the alleged members of the Tren de Aragua cartel could contravene international law on the use of force.

From BBC

The boss of World Rugby has rejected Australia coach Joe Schmidt's claim that the decision at the end of the second Test against the British and Irish Lions contravened the sport's player welfare drive.

From BBC

They accused the Syrian government of contravening "the demilitarisation policy they decided on" and of endangering Israel by deploying forces there.

From BBC

Some of the country's wealthy landowners and two charities who own the freehold leases of thousands of properties - predominately flats - argue that legislation brought in by the last Conservative government contravenes their human rights.

From BBC

The UN says the system contravenes the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

From BBC

Related Words

• breach 
• conflict with www.thesaurus.com
• defy 
• disobey 
• hinder 
• impugn 
• infringe 
• interfere 
• negate 
• overstep 
• repudiate 
• transgress 
• violate