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

Other lawmakers cited the violence at the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot as their reason for not attending the upcoming inauguration. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

In this location, there is a layering of histories of violence coupled with limited resources. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Editor’s note: This story contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of violence. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

Ana and her mother, Olga, came to the United States from Mexico to escape violence. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 15 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