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

Anabaptists believe a true biblical church must uphold principles such as nonviolence, unconditional forgiveness, adult baptism, church discipline, and a refusal to bear arms or swear oaths. Mennonites, named after early leader Menno Simons, vary widely in practice today. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The city is looking for pictures of family members, residents, neighborhoods, businesses, historical events and documents related to the Civil Rights era and principles of nonviolence espoused by King, according to the online submission form from the city. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025

Waning global attention For years, governments across the world have feted the Dalai Lama for advocating for Tibetan rights and spreading a message of nonviolence. —Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Rene Gomez, civic engagement coordinator for the Farmworker Association of Florida, spoke about the importance of nonviolence. —Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 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