violent

[ vahy-uh-luhnt, vahy-luhnt ]

adjective

1. acting with or characterized by uncontrolled, strong, rough force:

   a violent earthquake.

2. caused by injurious or destructive force:

   a violent death.

3. intense in force, effect, etc.; severe; extreme:

   violent pain;

   violent cold.

4. roughly or immoderately vehement or ardent:

   violent passions.

5. furious in impetuosity, energy, etc.:

   violent haste.

6. of, relating to, or constituting a distortion of meaning or fact.

violent

/ ˈvaɪələnt /

adjective

1. marked or caused by great physical force or violence

   a violent stab

2. (of a person) tending to the use of violence, esp in order to injure or intimidate others
3. marked by intensity of any kind

   a violent clash of colours

4. characterized by an undue use of force; severe; harsh
5. caused by or displaying strong or undue mental or emotional force

   a violent tongue

6. tending to distort the meaning or intent

   a violent interpretation of the text

Derived Forms

• ˈviolently, adverb

Other Words From

• vi·o·lent·ly adverb
• o·ver·vi·o·lent adjective
• o·ver·vi·o·lent·ness noun
• qua·si-vi·o·lent adjective
• self-vi·o·lent adjective
• ul·tra·vi·o·lent adjective
• un·vi·o·lent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of violent¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin violentus, equivalent to vi-, shortening (before a vowel) of base of vīs “force, violence” + -olentus, variant (after a vowel) of -ulentus -ulent

Word History and Origins

Origin of violent¹

C14: from Latin violentus, probably from vīs strength

Example Sentences

A National Institute of Justice study suggests that undocumented migrants in the US are arrested for violent and drug crimes at less than half the rate of native-born citizens.

From BBC

Mr Hughes - who was once found guilty of assault for pushing a hunt supporter - admits violent incidents can happen.

From BBC

The commissioner’s office confirmed “this follows the violent disorder in Tamworth on 4 August” and claims were currently being assessed.

From BBC

Fear for the threat of actual repercussions, violent or otherwise.

From Salon

A high-speed police pursuit led to a violent crash Saturday night as a car carrying four people plowed into the side of a Culver City home, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brutal
• crazy
• cruel
• fierce
• homicidal
• hysterical
• murderous
• passionate
• potent
• powerful
• savage
• uncontrollable
• vicious