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

The argument escalated into violence with the suspect stabbing a 30-year-old woman multiple times. — Christina Fan, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

The cinematic drama is an exploration of violence, body and identity – themes that Lenz has also touched on in his previous work. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

In a statement to The Associated Press Wednesday, Discord said groups or individuals who promote or encourage violence have no place on the platform. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Cacioppo was at the center of an attempt to bring strip clubs to the River Market, which raised concerns among neighboring businesses that the move would reignite the mob violence that shook the River Market area throughout the 1970s. — Jack Harvel august 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 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