violent

adjective

vi·o·lent | \ˈvī-ə-lənt

Definition of violent

1a(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

3a : 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

4a : notably forceful, furious, or vehement a violent argument a violent denunciation

b : extreme, intense violent pain violent colors

Other Words from violent Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about violent

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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

Some states with high violent crime may choose to enforce gun laws more strictly than the federal government does. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "A Supreme Court Gamble," 5 Dec. 2018 And violence by intimate partners accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime. — Anna North, Vox, "At Chicago’s Mercy Hospital, domestic violence became multiple homicide. It’s part of a disturbing pattern.," 21 Nov. 2018 Former inmates are more likely than not to return to communities that are already overwhelmed by violent crime. — Jason L. Riley, WSJ, "Take a Step Back on the First Step Act," 20 Nov. 2018 An educator in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where violent crime is high, isn’t worried about a mass shooting: Gun violence is an ever-present threat for his students. — Beatrix Lockwood, Marie Claire, "Teaching In the Age of Mass Shootings," 5 Sep. 2018 In theaters Saturday, July 28 Pink Collar Crimes: Questionable title aside, this interesting new series is hosted by Marcia Clark and explores women who've committed violent crimes. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "10 TV Shows and Movies to Watch This Week, Because It's Too Hot to Go Outside," 22 July 2018 Winter discontent The description of the White Russian mutiny and its violent suppression comes from Rebellion in the Archangel Regiment, a memo from Capt. — WSJ, "Archangel Endnotes," 9 Nov. 2018 Her grandparents, Monáe tells me, passed down the tales from their ancestors about watching slaves escape during Bleeding Kansas, a series of violent clashes in the lead-up to the Civil War. — Sean Knight, Glamour, "Janelle Monáe Knows She Has Your Attention. Get Ready for What's Next.," 5 Nov. 2018 Because of movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, our culture is once again focusing on how women experience violent emotions. — Patricia Grisafi, SELF, "When I’m Gaming, I Can Stop Being a People Pleaser and Embrace My Anger," 1 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'violent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.