Con`tra*vene" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.p. Contravened (?); p.pr. & vb.n. Contravening.] [LL. contravenire; L. contra + venire to come: cf. F. contrevenir. See Come.]
1.
To meet in the way of opposition; to come into conflict with; to oppose; to contradict; to obstruct the operation of; to defeat.
So plain a proposition . . . was not likely to be contravened.
Southey.
2.
To violate; to nullify; to be inconsistent with; as, to contravene a law.
Laws that place the subjects in such a state contravene the first principles of the compact of authority.
Johnson.
Syn. -- To contradict; set aside; nullify; defeat; cross; obstruct; baffle; thwart.
© Webster 1913.