counterviolence

noun

coun·​ter·​vi·​o·​lence ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈvī-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterviolence (audio)
-ˈvī-ə-
variants or counter-violence
: violence committed in retaliation for violence
Violence is not so much a question of a single act that breaks a supposed continuum of nonviolence or peace. Rather, violence is best understood as a historical cycle of violence and counterviolence.Simon Critchley

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterviolence was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near counterviolence

Cite this Entry

“Counterviolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterviolence. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

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