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

Mamdani, whose supporters resent how often he is asked for his opinion on Israel’s right to exist, maneuvered around a question about his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, and emphasized his commitment to nonviolence. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 13 June 2025

He was sometimes likened to Nelson Mandela, that other legendary political prisoner of the Cold War, who similarly spent his postwar life working to reconcile his countrymen and extolling the virtues of nonviolence. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 16 May 2025

That means nonviolence in the family, community environment, schools, the world and importantly, within the self. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025

But members of the group have also faced scorn for refusing to join wars due to their belief in pacifism and nonviolence. —Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 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