noun

contravention

kon-truh-VEN-shun/ˌkɑːntrəˈvenʃn/

An act that breaks a law, rule, or agreement.

Parking the bicycle across the access ramp is a contravention of the posted rule.

Bicycle deliberately parked across a clearly marked access ramp despite crossed-out bicycle pictogram, violation clear, no words.

Etymology

contraLatinagainst

+ventLatinto come

+ionLatinact or process

The pieces express an act of “coming against” something. Once the underlying verb meant breaking a law, its action noun could name a violation of a rule or agreement.

In context

Cudmore Legal0:00

a contravention or a breach of a family law order happens when someone does not follow court orders breaching a family court order without a valid reason is an offence

Breach of a family law order - What Happens and How to Deal with It

More examples

The company operates in contravention of local safety laws.
Inspectors recorded several contraventions of the building code.
Using outside help constitutes a contravention of the contest rules.

Forms

contravention · contraventions

contravene verb — To act against a law, rule, or agreement.

Similar words

violation: More common and less formal for breaking laws or rules.
breach: Especially emphasizes breaking an agreement, promise, or legal duty.
infringement: Often concerns encroaching on someone's rights, especially intellectual property.