'contravene' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contravenire,' where 'contra-' meant 'against' and 'venire' meant 'to come.'

'contravenire' transformed into the French word 'contravenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contravene' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to come against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to act against or be in conflict with.'