violence

noun

vi·​o·​lence ˈvī-lən(t)s 

ˈvī-ə-

1

a

: the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy

b

: an instance of violent treatment or procedure

2

: injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : outrage

3

a

: intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force

the violence of the storm

b

: vehement feeling or expression : fervor

also : an instance of such action or feeling

c

: a clashing or jarring quality : discordance

4

: undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)

Synonyms of violence

• brutality
• injury
• assault
• terror
• force
• compulsion
• attack

Examples of violence in a Sentence

They need to learn how to settle their arguments without resorting to violence.

movies filled with sex and violence

The violence of the storm caused great fear.

Recent Examples on the Web

The assassination of Charlie Kirk raised fears of political violence in America as well as questions about the responsibility of social media companies pertaining to images of violence posted on their platforms. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

His eerie behavior soon infects the quiet rhythms of their rural town, sparking paranoia, violence, and death. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

Sheffield's public safety plan includes continuing to fight for additional funding for Community Violence Intervention programs, which are credited in part for the city's decline in crime, and the creation of a gun violence prevention office. —Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025

An IndyStar investigation, which is based on interviews with four dozen people, including current and former inmates, their families and former employees, found Miami Correctional is constantly beset by violence fueled by gangs and drugs. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violence

• anti-violence
• counter-violence
• domestic violence
• do violence to

Rhymes for violence

• nonviolence

Kids Definition

violence

noun

vi·​o·​lence ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: the use of force in a way that harms a person or property

2

: great force or energy especially of a destructive kind

the violence of the storm caused great fear