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

Both Kennedy and Hans Johnson, another member of the Civilian Oversight Commission, raised concerns about how a tattooed subgroup in Norwalk could have influenced the station culture and given rise to the sort of violence caught on camera during Brock’s arrest last year. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024

The boy was charged in that case with threats of violence and an attempt to commit auto theft, O'Hara said. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024

As trans women of color in particular are facing an epidemic of violence, many trans women who work at strip clubs are particularly vulnerable. —Nicholas Goodly, Them, 5 Oct. 2024

Editor’s note: This story contains a graphic image and descriptions of violence. —Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 4 Oct. 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