nonviolence

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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

2 a :the quality or state of being nonviolent :avoidance of violence

b :nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

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Examples of nonviolence in a Sentence

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.

Recent Examples of nonviolence from the Web

Two of America’s most well-known #Resistance groups claim nonviolence but applaud terrorists.

— david french, National Review, "Media, Tell the Truth: The Women’s March and Black Lives Matter Embrace Terrorists," 19 July 2017
Venezuela’s opposition leaders insist on nonviolence as the only acceptable path of protest, and the overwhelming majority of demonstrators have been peaceful.

— nick miroff, Washington Post, "Is Venezuela on a path to civil war?," 14 June 2017
McDonald said, drawing a parallel to the massive anti-Trump turnout marked by nonviolence, playful pink protest hats, creative signs and a determination to change the country’s political course.

— Washington Post, "San Francisco celebrates pivotal time in US: Summer of Love," 13 June 2017
McDonald said, drawing a parallel to the massive anti-Trump turnout marked by nonviolence, playful pink protest hats, creative signs and a determination to change the country’s political course.

— jocelyn gecker, star-telegram, "San Francisco marks 50 years since legendary Summer of Love," 13 June 2017
McDonald said, drawing a parallel to the massive anti-Trump turnout marked by nonviolence, playful pink protest hats, creative signs and a determination to change the country’s political course.

— Washington Post, "1967’s Summer of Love put spotlight on counterculture," 13 June 2017
McDonald said, drawing a parallel to the massive anti-Trump turnout marked by nonviolence, playful pink protest hats, creative signs and a determination to change the country’s political course.

— jocelyn gecker, star-telegram, "San Francisco marks 50 years since legendary Summer of Love," 13 June 2017
McDonald said, drawing a parallel to the massive anti-Trump turnout marked by nonviolence, playful pink protest hats, creative signs and a determination to change the country’s political course.

— Washington Post, "1967’s Summer of Love put spotlight on counterculture," 13 June 2017
Every fantasy about the summer of ’67 that was ever created — peace, joy, love, nonviolence, wear flowers in your hair and fantastic music — was real at Monterey.

— jocelyn gecker, The Seattle Times, "San Francisco marks 50 years since legendary Summer of Love," 12 June 2017

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.

First Known Use of nonviolence

1831

NONVIOLENCE Defined for English Language Learners

nonviolence

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noun

Definition of nonviolence for English Language Learners

: the practice of refusing to respond to anything (such as unfair or violent acts by a government) with violence

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Spanish Central: Translation of nonviolence Nglish: Translation of nonviolence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nonviolence for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nonviolence

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nonviolence

Definition of nonviolence

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NONVIOLENCE Defined for English Language Learners

nonviolence

Definition of nonviolence for English Language Learners

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