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

• force
• foul play

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

After further tests suggest more extreme violence ahead, Hobson begins to question his identity and his sanity. —The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Ana and her mother, Olga, came to the United States from Mexico to escape violence. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Dec. 2024

An urgent need to protect children in Myanmar from grave child rights violations As climate emergencies compound humanitarian needs, the impact of ongoing violence on children continues to escalate as well. —Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The Order follows in the wake of a number of films by Kurzel tackling male violence beginning with his first film feature The Snowtown Murders and continuing with The True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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