break the Sabbath

To violate the rules and terms of the Sabbath day (a holy day of rest and/or worship). Even though my religious rights are protected by law, my employer still made me break the Sabbath by coming into work on Saturday.

See also: break

References in classic literature ?

You'll go to the other place if you break the Sabbath day," said unhappy Dora, following him sorely against her will.

View in context

Several sports stars have refused to break the Sabbath.

I DON'T BELIEVE IN PICK'N'MIX CHRISTIANITY; Sunday-snub rugby star talks for the first time about his faith

is that we break the sabbath more often to "proclaim ourselves" than either to provoke folks into decision and action as Jesus does in Mark or to address a genuine emergency.

Preaching helps

Nehemiah Wallington, the turner, positively "salivate[s]" over the divine vengeance wreaked on those who break the Sabbath (p.

The Boxmaker's Revenge: `Orthodoxy,' `Heterodoxy,' and the Politics of the Parish in Early Stuart London

All the major chains have decided to toss caution to the wind and break the Sabbath trading laws.

That was the year that was. (counterpoint)

Not if you're a member of the Free Church of Scotland, who call down Hell's fury on all who break the Sabbath.