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

Melissa Chan Melissa Chan is a reporter for NBC News Digital with a focus on veterans’ issues, mental health in the military and gun violence. —Melissa Chan, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025

Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to a level of violence and criminality that reflects Russia’s utter contempt for the laws of armed conflict. —The Editors, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025

Chaos and violence ensue, but CIA director Jeremy Lasch (Bill Camp) shows up just in time to secret Mullen away while reports are sent out that he's been killed. —Megan McCluskey, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025

By Samantha Allen As the movement evolved, Pérez and Alba focused on the persistent issue of police violence in the Bronx. —Colleen Hamilton, Them, 19 Feb. 2025

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