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

• 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

To me, that feels like a meaningless question in most cases, because the violence is here. —Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025

The first of these two scenes—in Act 3, scene 3—features mob violence. —JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025

In some cases, the religious hate has led to hate crimes and violence, such as the recent mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in August, which was mentioned by faith leaders during the panel. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025

Aiden’s presence serves as a reminder that the choices of one generation inevitably influence the next, and that patterns of violence, secrecy, and grief will continue if unaddressed. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 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