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 moviesb : 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 insultb : prone to commit acts of violence violent prison inmates
4a : notably forceful, furious, or vehement a violent argument a violent denunciationb : extreme, intense violent pain violent colors
violently
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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 of violent from the Web
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Not in images depicting the aftermath of violent crimes or industrial accidents.
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In addition to Donald Trump’s extended meeting with Vladimir Putin , Melania was forced to stay in her guesthouse in Hamburg for hours due to violent protests.
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A suspect was arrested Thursday in connection with a drug deal that turned violent and left one person shot in Jeffersontown the night before.
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These are violent affairs that the BBC Natural History Unit prefers not to show you in their prestige programs.
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Max's step-brother, Billy, played by Dacre Montgomery, will also be introduced, and is apparently super confident, excels at drinking games, and is unpredictably violent.
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Mallory’s letter was in response to NRA’s latest ad which claims that citizens should arm themselves against the threat of violent protestors in big cities, mostly women and people of color.
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Protests turned violent Thursday night into Friday morning on the streets of Hamburg, where leaders from the G20 are gathering for meetings.
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Many emerged indoctrinated and violent enough for their family members, social workers or other authorities to refer them to the long-term treatment facility.
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.
Origin and Etymology of violent
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim
VIOLENT Defined for English Language Learners
violent
playDefinition of violent for English Language Learners
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: using or involving the use of physical force to cause harm or damage to someone or something : showing violence
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: caused by physical force or violence
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: trying to physically attack someone because of anger
VIOLENT Defined for Kids
violent
playDefinition of violent for Students
violently
adverb The ground shook violently.Learn More about violent
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for violent Spanish Central: Translation of violent Nglish: Translation of violent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of violent for Arabic speakers
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