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

The encampment came under a violent attack by counterprotesters in early May, fomenting widespread outrage and attention.

From Los Angeles Times

“Priority One is addressing crime, particularly violent and property crimes,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe she's also a stand-in for a nation perpetually haunted by the Troubles, the violent escalation between Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestant loyalists through which “Say Nothing” travels.

From Salon

They’re "a particularly virulent, violent form of white preservationists."

From Salon

They’re “a particularly virulent, violent form of white preservationists,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

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