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

For a time, their actions inspired many climate and environmental activists who were disillusioned with nonviolence. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Hamer was a student of nonviolence—and not just for protesters in Mississippi. —Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

Soka Gakkai members gather to study Buddhist principles, like practicing nonviolence and taking social action, and their practice consists of prayers, chanting and self-reflection in nature to achieve spiritual growth. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Organizers say over 1,700 people are committed to nonviolence. —Quinn Clark, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

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