Main Entry: vi·o·lent

Pronunciation: \-lənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim

Date: 14th century

1 : marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity <a violent attack>
2 a : notably furious or vehement <a violent denunciation> b : extreme, intense <violent pain> <violent colors>
3 : caused by force : not natural <a violent death>
4 a : emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control <became violent after an insult> b : prone to commit acts of violence <violent prison inmates>

— vi·o·lent·ly adverb