nonviolence

noun

non·vi·o·lence | \ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s

Definition of nonviolence

1 : abstention from violence as a matter of principle also : the principle of such abstention

2a : 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

But the overwhelming majority recommitted themselves to nonviolence and, as his health rapidly deteriorated, Chavez determined the fast had been successful. — USA TODAY, "A movement for 'America's promise'," 21 May 2018 He was put on probation, placed in a domestic nonviolence program and ordered to undergo a mental health screening. — Washington Post, "Suspected killer had history of abuse, mental health issues," 6 June 2018 He was put on probation, placed in a domestic nonviolence program and ordered to undergo a mental health screening. — Fox News, "Suspected killer had history of abuse, mental health issues," 6 June 2018 On Sunday, Assistant Police Chief Michael Brunson spoke to parishioners about the release of unspecified video footage during a program for a nonviolence initiative at a Milwaukee church. — Emanuella Grinberg, CNN, "Officers involved in arrest of NBA's Sterling Brown disciplined, police chief says," 23 May 2018 Not far away sat a booth dedicated to nonviolence and gender equality. — Samantha West, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Eaux Claires Day 1 recap: The 'mystery' lineup is released, and some reply, 'Meh'," 6 July 2018 The campaign emphasizes nonviolence, and violent tactics aren’t tolerated, according to a list of principles posted on the main campaign website. — Paige Cornwell, The Seattle Times, "Police arrest 7 in downtown Seattle during march calling for social change," 24 June 2018 Speaking to both the Highland Park City Council and the Deerfield Village Board of Trustees was Phil Andrew, the director of nonviolence for the Archdiocese of Chicago. — Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, "'This is a public health issue': North Shore towns mark Gun Violence Awareness Day," 11 June 2018 Resistance and nonviolence are not in themselves good. — Detroit Free Press, "How to advocate for reparations: Controversial idea topic at Detroit church," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonviolence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.