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

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

Some experts have suggested the bill’s inclusion of a component that gives nonviolent drug offenders the option to enroll in rehab rather than jailing them may have made it more appealing to moderate and left-leaning voters.

From Los Angeles Times

"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

"Mr. Carnell, who was an 18 year old nonviolent entrant into the Capitol on January 6, is expecting to be relieved of the criminal prosecution that he is currently facing when the new administration takes office."

From Salon

This measure asks voters to change parts of Proposition 47, a controversial ballot initiative passed in 2014 that turned some nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pacifist
• passive