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

Despite their fierce appearances, many of the barbers who work at Liem’s shops are soft-spoken and humble and reject any perceptions of violence and crime. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

His team of workers does round-the-clock work to tackle the root causes of community violence, leading peer-to-peer support and group therapy sessions. —Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025

Gun violence in the US Thousands of people die from firearm injuries in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025

On the agenda: discussions about the various ways antisemitic rhetoric can lead to violence. —Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 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