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

Some civil rights leaders pointed to a stark contrast between the tactics of Trump and King, who preached nonviolence. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

Jains grapple with the destructive impacts of everyday actions on other life-forms; their answer has been to reduce harm as much as possible through ahimsa, nonviolence. —Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025

Baylor chose nonviolence for years before fighting back against Sterling in the courts, albeit fruitlessly. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 2 July 2024

He is regarded as America’s preeminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history, said the center. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 9 Jan. 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