nonviolent

[ non-vahy-uh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. not violent; free of violence.
2. peacefully resistant, as in response to or protest against injustice, especially on moral or philosophical grounds.

Other Words From

• non·vio·lent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonviolent¹

First recorded in 1915–20; non- + violent

Example Sentences

But there was also one major nonviolent protest, an act of civil disobedience 100 years ago that is being commemorated this weekend with a series of free community events in Lone Pine.

From Los Angeles Times

The white poppy represents all victims of war, and are sold by the Peace Pledge Union, which challenges war and seeks nonviolent solutions to war.

From BBC

"Throughout his campaign, President-elect Trump made multiple clemency promises to the January 6 defendants, particularly to those who were nonviolent participants," the filing said.

From Salon

Nazarian, like the three other candidates, said he wants to expand the city’s network of unarmed responders to assist people experiencing nonviolent mental health crises.

From Los Angeles Times

The law imposed mandatory sentences of 25 years to life for felons with two prior violent crime convictions, treating even nonviolent felonies, such as residential burglary, as a third strike.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pacifist
• passive