nonviolence

[ non-vahy-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. absence or lack of violence; state or condition of avoiding violence.
2. the policy, practice, or technique of refraining from the use of violence, especially when reacting to or protesting against oppression, injustice, discrimination, or the like.

nonviolence

/ nɒnˈvaɪələns /

noun

1. abstention from the use of physical force to achieve goals

Derived Forms

• nonˈviolent, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonviolence¹

First recorded in 1830–35; nonviolence def 2 was brought into prominence by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920–25, and again by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1955–60; non- + violence; possibly a loan translation of Sanskrit ahiṃsā; ahimsa ( def )

Example Sentences

Called “the leading nonviolence theorist” by King, Lawson had studied Gandhi’s philosophy in India before joining the struggle in the South.

From Los Angeles Times

“The way in which he spoke of nonviolence, it was coming out of a depth of experience.”

From Los Angeles Times

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?

From Los Angeles Times

“I would not be a part of a movement if it wasn’t centered in nonviolence,” she says.

From Seattle Times

The civil rights movement led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was grounded in nonviolence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pacification
• pacifism