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.
Con`tra*ven"er (?), n. One who contravenes.
Con`tra*ven"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. contravention.] The act of contravening; opposition; obstruction; transgression; violation.
Warrants in contravention of the acts of Parliament.
Macaulay.
In contravention of all his marriage stipulations.
Motley.
Con`tra*ver"sion (?), n. A turning to the opposite side; antistrophe. Congreve.
Con`tra*yer"va (?), n. [Sp. contrayerba, literally, a counter herb, hence, an antidote for poison, fr. l. contra + herba herb.] (Bot.) A species of Dorstenia (D. Contrayerva), a South American plant, the aromatic root of which is sometimes used in medicine as a gentle stimulant and tonic.
||Con`tre*coup" (?), n. [F., fr. contre (L. contra) + coup a blow.] (med.) A concussion or shock produced by a blow or other injury, in a part or region opposite to that at which the blow is received, often causing rupture or disorganisation of the parts affected.
||Con`tre*temps" (?), n. [F., fr. contre (L. conta) + temps time, fr. L. tempus.] An unexpected and untoward accident; something inopportune or embarrassing; a hitch.
In this unhappy contretemps.
De Quincey.
Con*trib"u*ta*ble (?), a. Capable of being contributed.