nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence ˌnän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: abstention from violence as a matter of principle

also : the principle of such abstention

2

a

: the quality or state of being nonviolent : avoidance of violence

b

: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

Examples of nonviolence in a Sentence

Demonstration organizers are urging nonviolence.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the phrase was first coined by a Black, Quaker, openly gay, socialist, trade union organizer, civil rights activist, advisor on nonviolence to Dr. Martin Luther King and a peace protest leader named Bayard Rustin. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2024

The brothers still seem receptive to their emphasis on nonviolence. —Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nonviolence

noun

non·​vi·​o·​lence (ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s 

1

: the avoidance of the use of violence as a matter of principle

also : the principle of not using violence to achieve one's goals

2

: nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of achieving political goals