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

In two particular cases, creators supposedly threatened to hang themselves and commit acts of violence live on Pump.Fun. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025

Since the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, Canadian cities have been disgraced by anti-Semitic incidents of accelerating violence. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025

The sharp increase in violence against transit and frontline workers forces people to decide between advocating for fare payment or ensuring personal safety for the matter of $2.90. —Deborah Wathen Finn, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025

Ultimately, reducing gun violence may be attainable through stricter firearm regulations, but focusing exclusively on regulating guns could shift the form of violence without addressing its underlying causes. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 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