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

These demonstrations also stress a commitment to nonviolence. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025

Both led their people through seemingly impossible conflicts with grace and the ethos of nonviolence. —Janine Di Giovanni, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025

Dan said Mary traveled to teach nonviolence and share her mom’s story four to five months out of a year. —Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Dedicated to nonviolence and forgiving of mom and dad, the 16-year-old emerges as the film’s true hero and the last hope of our democracy. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 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