contravene
verb C2
Plain meaning
to break a rule, law, or agreement
Exam-register meaning
to violate or act against a law, regulation, treaty, or formal requirement
In context
generalThe construction work may contravene local safety rules.
examPolicies that restrict access to basic education may contravene international human rights standards.
Common collocations
contravene the lawcontravene regulationscontravene a treaty
Watch out
Do not confuse 'contravene' with 'contradict'. Contravene means break a rule; contradict means say the opposite.
Word family
contravention (noun)contravened (verb/participle)