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

Organizers said they were committed to nonviolence. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

Proud to see so many voices united for nonviolence, civic action, and the power of the people to shape our future. —Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

These demonstrations also stress a commitment to nonviolence. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

These demonstrations also stress a commitment to nonviolence. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025

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