ahimsa
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ahimsa
First recorded in 1830–35; from Sanskrit ahiṁsā “noninjury,” equivalent to a- privative suffix (cognate with Greek a- ) + hiṁsā injury, derivative of hánti “(he) slays,” Greek phónos “murder”; see origin at a- 6
Explanation
Ahimsa is an ancient spiritual concept that began in India and centers around avoiding all forms of violence and respecting all living things. The principle of ahimsa first appeared in the 4,000-year-old Indian spiritual and philosophical beliefs known as the Vedas. Many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism have since adopted ahimsa as part of their core virtues. In Sanskrit, the word means "without injury," and it's commonly translated in English as "nonviolence." Ahimsa involves doing the least amount of harm you can to humans and other beings.
Vocabulary lists containing ahimsa
World Religions
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2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 3
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Early Civilizations of India, Lessons 1–4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the Indian religions of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, Ahimsa is the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2024
It would have ended when I married Ahimsa anyway, although when hunt meat is offered, I jump on it, no matter how she carries on.
From Slate • Feb. 26, 2022
We are quiet the rest of the way, and I can feel Ahimsa slip back to her own dangerous place.
From Slate • Feb. 26, 2022
Without warning, the entire team at our table starts swaying in their colorful tunics, humming or whistling along with Ahimsa and the crickets, as if the dome weren’t loud enough.
From Slate • Feb. 26, 2022
For there must be limits to the impunity granted even to a Mahatma who professes and preaches the doctrine of Ahimsa, but whose footsteps are dogged by violence which is the negation of Ahimsa.
From India, Old and New by Chirol, Valentine, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
