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

Example Sentences

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.

Recent Examples on the Web

To frame politics in the context of motherhood is a commitment to nonviolence, as well as a statement of dedication. —Emily Witt, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2022

Advertisement After playing a few songs in Belfast, Bono called onto the stage the leaders of unionism and nationalism: David Trimble, a leading Protestant politician in Northern Ireland, and John Hume, an advocate of nonviolence who led Northern Ireland’s largest Catholic political party. —Amanda Ferguson, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2023

One of Dallas' last living links to Martin Luther King carries on the torch of nonviolence and justice Details Jan. 4-8 at the Margo Jones Theatre. —Dallas News, 15 Dec. 2022

An organizer said the car show was one of several events held on Saturday to promote nonviolence in Dumas, Arkansas. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2022

Sure as fluffy white people like Mia Farrow and Judd Apatow might holier-than-thou the Slap, spinning it into some revisionist-history lesson on nonviolence, these two hall monitors have the easier option of minding their non-Black business. —Vulture, 28 Mar. 2022

On the Sister’s website, Monica Beemer, a former director, offered a tribute: Genny always led with a gentle, yet formidable presence, centering Sisters’ work on the core principles of gentle personalism, nonviolence, and the practice of dining with dignity. —oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2020

Some leftist activists who long favored nonviolence have grown more tolerant of armed support at public events as threats against the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable groups rise and faith in law enforcement recedes. —Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2023

After his release, Rev. Lawson became a missionary in India and immersed himself in Gandhi’s teachings of using nonviolence to achieve social and political change. —Dawn Porter, Variety, 27 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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