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

Well, there is significantly less information known about this gene's affect on the violent tendencies of a person. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Can You Really Have a Serial Killer Gene like Betty on "Riverdale"?," 9 May 2019 Despite its violent creation and travel through the harsh radiation of space, the minerals still show evidence of water. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "What Finding Water on an Ancient Asteroid Means for Life on Earth," 2 May 2019 Tourist attractions across Paris are shutting down this weekend, as the city prepares for another round of violent protests. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Plan to Close Amid Protests in Paris," 7 Dec. 2018 The report shows that a call expressing vague concern over what Tripp apparently might do, was somehow translated to law enforcement as a direct violent attack against the Nevada facility. — Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, "Tesla asked cops for help during “active shooter threat,” which was bogus," 2 Aug. 2018 Golightly is famously based on a number of women, but Capote specifically used McCracken's violent reaction to her brother's death in combat in his short story. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Joan McCracken Was More than Bob Fosse's Second Wife," 17 Apr. 2019 Being at the center of the birth of America is often a bloody and violent and heartbreaking matter. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan Are Officially Producing on Outlander Season 5," 16 Apr. 2019 Michelle and Jacques had a violent argument about something, and an equally passionate reconciliation. — Jay Mcinerney, Vogue, "Why, Oh Why Do I Love Paris? Jay McInerney Counted the Ways in a 1986 Story for Vogue, Republished Here in Solidarity With the French Capital, Where Notre-Dame Burned," 16 Apr. 2019 That means Daenerys doesn't have to deal with the violent side-to-side spins that most pro riders feel are the most difficult motion to overcome. — William Gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, "'Game of Thrones' Science: Could a Person Ride a Dragon?," 15 Apr. 2019

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.