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

Opened in 1956, Sunnyvale High School, the city’s second public high school, worked to achieve collaboration between students and educators, aiming to reduce violence and enrich the curriculum during the interracial tension that marked the 1960s and ’70s. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

The Brutalist offers a dark view of American society that could resonate under a Trump restoration, while Nickel Boys spotlights the victims of institutional violence. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, those backing Harris and the Democrats point out that Trump has not promised to accept the results of the election, and watch with trepidation as some of his right-wing supporters seem to be preparing for post-election violence. —Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Election workers have been preparing for more violence on November 5, with some installing bulletproof and building barriers meant to distance themselves from potential car bombs. —Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 5 Nov. 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