 - object to validate</dd>
<dd><code>propertyName</code> - property to validate (i.e. field and getter constraints)</dd>
<dd><code>groups</code> - the group or list of groups targeted for validation (defaults to
        <a href="../../javax/validation/groups/Default.html" title="interface in javax.validation.groups"><code>Default</code></a>)</dd>
<dt><span class="returnLabel">Returns:</span></dt>
<dd>constraint violations or an empty set if none</dd>
<dt><span class="throwsLabel">Throws:</span></dt>
<dd><co