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

His advocacy for racial separatism and self-defense often put him at odds with Martin Luther King Jr., who preached a message of nonviolence and racial integration, according to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025

King's pursuit of civil rights through nonviolence is his enduring legacy. —Marc Caputo, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always promoted peace and nonviolence. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Some civil rights leaders pointed to a stark contrast between the tactics of Trump and King, who preached nonviolence. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nonviolence

• violence

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