nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: abstention from violence as a matter of principle

also : the principle of such abstention

2

a

: the quality or state of being nonviolent : avoidance of violence

b

: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

Examples of nonviolence in a Sentence

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The center offers virtual classes on Martin Luther King’s philosophy of nonviolence. —Sudhin Thanawala, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2024

His profound commitment to nonviolence never wavered. —Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024

In the long term, universities can add dedicated courses on nonviolence to their catalogues. —Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Both men encountered resistance from a more militant faction of the movement, which began to question the efficacy of nonviolence. —Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: the avoidance of the use of violence as a matter of principle

also : the principle of not using violence to achieve one's goals

2

: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of achieving political goals