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

Since 2016, whether by executive orders or by state laws, what can or cannot be taught in the nation’s classrooms has been increasingly subject to scrutiny, censorship, intimidation, and even threats of violence. —Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026

Indeed, as a sobering meditation on the physical and psychological violence inflicted upon women in relationships, the alt-pop tale could never be described as a crowd-pleaser. —Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026

Cole Allen, who was shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, transporting a firearm across state lines and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. —Peter D'abrosca , Jake Gibson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

These loud parties can devolve into violence, exasperating community leaders and the police. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 11 May 2026

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