violence

[ vahy-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. swift and intense force:

   the violence of a storm.

   Synonyms: fury, impact, power, might

2. rough or injurious physical force, action, or treatment:

   to die by violence.

3. an unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power, as against rights or laws:

   to take over a government by violence.

4. a violent act or proceeding.
5. rough or immoderate vehemence, as of feeling or language:

   the violence of his hatred.

6. damage through distortion or unwarranted alteration:

   to do editorial violence to a text.

violence

/ ˈvaɪələns /

noun

1. the exercise or an instance of physical force, usually effecting or intended to effect injuries, destruction, etc
2. powerful, untamed, or devastating force

   the violence of the sea

3. great strength of feeling, as in language, etc; fervour
4. an unjust, unwarranted, or unlawful display of force, esp such as tends to overawe or intimidate
5. do violence to
   1. to inflict harm upon; damage or violate

      they did violence to the prisoners

   2. to distort or twist the sense or intention of

      the reporters did violence to my speech

Other Words From

• anti·vio·lence adjective
• counter·vio·lence noun
• self-vio·lence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of violence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin violentia; violent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of violence¹

C13: via Old French from Latin violentia impetuosity, from violentus violent

Example Sentences

Making a very different brand of hip-hop are Kneecap, who rap in both English and Irish about the aftermath of the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

From BBC

Ms Brella was the subject of a domestic violence protection order before her death, which was made in early September and lasted 28 days.

From BBC

The ICC ruled that crimes of sexual violence had taken place, but Hassan was not found to bear responsibility for them.

From BBC

The pair threatened violence if victims refused to comply, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

If sexual "sin" happens — even if it's outright violence — the fingers are pointed directly at the girl or woman for not being "modest" enough.

From Salon

Related Words

• assault
• attack
• bloodshed
• brutality
• clash
• confusion
• cruelty
• disorder
• disturbance
• fighting
• rampage
• struggle
• terrorism