violent

adjective

vi·​o·​lent ˈvī-ə-lənt 

1

a(1)

: marked by the use of usually harmful or destructive physical force

a violent attack

violent crime

The peaceful demonstration turned violent.

(2)

: showing or including violence

violent movies

b

: extremely powerful or forceful and capable of causing damage

violent storms

violent coughing

2

: caused by physical force or violence : not natural

a violent death

3

a

: emotionally agitated to the point of using harmful physical force

became violent after an insult

b

: prone to commit acts of violence

violent prison inmates

4

a

: notably forceful, furious, or vehement

a violent argument

a violent denunciation

b

: extreme, intense

violent pain

violent colors

violently adverb

Synonyms of violent

• ferocious
• turbulent
• fierce
• furious
• vicious
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• explosive
• brutal

Examples of violent in a Sentence

They witnessed a violent struggle between police and protesters.

The peaceful protest suddenly turned violent.

The city has experienced an increase in violent crime in the past year.

The final scene was extremely violent.

She suffered a violent death in a car accident.

The patient suddenly became violent and had to be restrained.

He's not a particularly violent person.

Recent Examples on the Web

Police said on Sunday the gunman had previously had an air gun confiscated by a teacher last year, and had watched violent content online, using social media to learn how to use a firearm. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

They have been used to subdue violent suspects who are refusing to get into squad cars and inmates who are harming themselves and threatening officers, according to Compliant Technologies. — CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The group found no reduction in violent crime attributable to the Guard deployment, though its presence coincided with a decline in property crime. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Part of the Measure J mandate passed by voters in 2020 is to reduce incarcerations by adding more interdictions by substance abuse and mental health counselors, when there’s no weapon involved or violent threat. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing violent

• violent storm

Rhymes for violent

• nonviolent

Kids Definition

violent

adjective

vi·​o·​lent ˈvī-ə-lənt 

1

: marked by great force or sudden activity

a violent attack of coughing

violent storms

2

a

: especially furious or emotional

a violent denial of guilt

b

: intense sense 1

violent pain

3

: caused by force

a violent death

4

a

: acting with or characterized by harmful physical force : exercising or marked by violence

a violent person

violent actions

b

: having a tendency to carry out acts of violence

violent prison inmates

violently adverb