How to Say "to violate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to violate” is “romper” — use this verb when referring to breaking a rule, law, or agreement in a straightforward manner.
romper
rrohm-pehrroˈmpeɾ
Examples
Si rompes el código de conducta, serás sancionado.
If you violate the code of conduct, you will be penalized.
Ella rompió el silencio con una pregunta incómoda.
She broke the silence with an awkward question.
Lamento romper mi promesa, pero es necesario.
I regret breaking my promise, but it is necessary.
Transitive Use
In this context, 'romper' requires a direct object—you must break something (a rule, a promise, silence).
ofender
oh-fen-DEHRo.fenˈdeɾ
Examples
El conductor fue multado por ofender las normas de tráfico.
The driver was fined for violating the traffic rules.
La empresa fue acusada de ofender los derechos laborales.
The company was accused of violating labor rights.
atentar
ah-ten-taratenˈtaɾ
Examples
Esa nueva ley atenta contra la libertad de expresión.
That new law infringes upon the freedom of expression.
Sus comentarios atentan contra el honor de mi familia.
His comments are detrimental to my family's honor.
Contaminar el río es atentar contra el medio ambiente.
Polluting the river is to violate environmental protections.
Abstract Subjects
Unlike the physical meaning, this use often has laws, rules, or words as the thing doing the 'attacking'.
Incorrect Prepositions
Mistake: “Atentar a los derechos.”
Correction: Atentar contra los derechos. In Spanish, you always infringe 'against' something with this verb.
lesionar
leh-syo-narlesjoˈnaɾ
Examples
Esa decisión política podría lesionar los intereses de la comunidad.
That political decision could harm the interests of the community.
No queremos lesionar los derechos de los trabajadores.
We don't want to violate the rights of the workers.
Sus comentarios lesionaron el honor de la familia.
His comments damaged the family's honor.
Abstract Subjects
Unlike the physical meaning, this sense often has an 'idea' or 'event' as the subject. For example, 'The crisis (crisis) injured (lesionó) the economy'.
violar
bee-oh-LAHRbjoˈlaɾ
Examples
La empresa violó el contrato de exclusividad.
The company broke the exclusivity contract.
Nadie tiene derecho a violar tu privacidad.
Nobody has the right to violate your privacy.
Using the Direct Object
When you use 'violar' to mean breaking a rule, the thing being broken (like 'the law') comes directly after the verb without any special connectors.
Choosing the right 'Break'
Mistake: “Using 'romper' for laws.”
Correction: Use 'violar' or 'quebrantar' for laws and rules; 'romper' is usually for physical objects.
traspasar
trahs-pah-SAHRtɾaspaˈsaɾ
Examples
Has traspasado los límites de mi paciencia.
You have exceeded the limits of my patience.
Ningún ciudadano debe traspasar la ley.
No citizen should violate the law.
Ese comportamiento traspasa lo aceptable.
That behavior goes beyond what is acceptable.
Abstract Boundaries
Use this word when talking about invisible lines, like moral standards or laws, that someone has crossed.
Using 'cruzar' instead
Mistake: “Using 'cruzar' for breaking a law.”
Correction: Say 'traspasar la ley' to sound more professional and accurate.
violenta
bee-oh-LEN-tahbjoˈlenta
Examples
Esa pregunta me violenta un poco.
That question makes me feel a bit uneasy/awkward.
Alguien violenta la cerradura de la oficina.
Someone is forcing the office lock.
Double Identity
The word 'violenta' can mean 'she is violent' (adjective) OR 'he/she forces' (verb). Context tells you if it's a description or an action.
Choosing between 'romper', 'ofender', and 'violar'
Related Translations
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