violence

noun

vi·​o·​lence ˈvī-lən(t)s 

ˈvī-ə-

1

a

: the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy

b

: an instance of violent treatment or procedure

2

: injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : outrage

3

a

: intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force

the violence of the storm

b

: vehement feeling or expression : fervor

also : an instance of such action or feeling

c

: a clashing or jarring quality : discordance

4

: undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)

Synonyms

• force
• foul play

Examples of violence in a Sentence

They need to learn how to settle their arguments without resorting to violence.

movies filled with sex and violence

The violence of the storm caused great fear.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since last year, United Nations officials have been sounding the alarm about the rise of violence in the country’s rural outskirts, while calling for the rapid deployment of a police force from Kenya to help Haiti battle the gangs. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 June 2024

This is also very often a precursor or indicator of other types of violence. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 June 2024

The level of violence was a major step up from previous clashes near Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains an outpost on a beached warship in waters claimed by both Beijing and Manila. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 21 June 2024

Our property values are always below others in Orange County and our schools are shunned because of undocumented fear of violence. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violence

• anti-violence
• counter-violence
• domestic violence
• do violence to

Kids Definition

violence

noun

vi·​o·​lence ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: the use of force in a way that harms a person or property

2

: great force or energy especially of a destructive kind

the violence of the storm caused great fear