'violate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'violatus,' where 'violare' meant 'to treat with violence.'

'violatus' transformed into the Old French word 'violater,' and eventually became the modern English word 'violate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to treat with violence,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to break or fail to comply with a rule or formal agreement.'