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

Kimya, the founder of FAB, insists on nonviolence. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026

King's last words to him were about the need to institutionalize and internationalize the nonviolence movement. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

King’s last words to him were about the need to institutionalize and internationalize the nonviolence movement. —ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

How much of that is predicated on nonviolence theory? —Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026

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