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

• force
• foul play

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

Online, foreign terror organizations and supporter groups had released multiple videos calling for violence during the winter holidays, specifically New Year's celebrations, the bulletin said. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025

But one type of violence that has not declined is the lynching of ordinary Muslims. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025

While media attention has spotlighted brazen acts of violence over the past year, the most recent FBI statistics showed the crime rate falling in 2023, while New Orleans reported significant drops in violent crime, outpacing other cities. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025

Both expressed a commitment to a smooth transition, a contrast to the acrimony and violence during the end of Trump's first term, when Trump refused to accept the election results. 5. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024

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

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