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

During their meetings in L.A., Lawson and Lal often discussed Gandhi’s conception of ahimsa, the Sanskrit word for nonviolence. —Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2024

Through the turbulent 1960s, the strategy of nonviolence divided African Americans and their allies. —Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 10 June 2024

What becomes of the civil rights movement if Bayard Rustin isn’t there to mentor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the principles of nonviolence or organize the March on Washington? California America is again stuck in darkness. —Lz Granderson, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

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

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