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

Task Force, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting social justice, nonviolence and equality, 40 years ago. —Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024

Her refusal, remedy and protection transcended violence or nonviolence. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024

In 1959, Lawson began leading workshops in nonviolence for young Black students from local Nashville colleges. —Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 18 July 2024

The United States can, however, bolster those Palestinian leaders who want peace with Israel by showing that nonviolence and diplomacy offer a better path to liberation for the Palestinian people than does terrorist violence. —Matthew Duss, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2023

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