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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Early Civilizations of India, Lessons 1–4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Lawson and Lal often discussed Gandhi’s conception of ahimsa, the Sanskrit word for nonviolence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2024
Indeed, he practiced ahimsa to the extent that he went on a hunger strike to end Hindu–Muslim infighting once India began to establish its own government.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
The draft resolution of the Working Committee is based on ahimsa; the contemplated struggle similarly has its roots in ahimsa.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
The practice of ahimsa also calls for the practice of love and compassion toward all beings.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
It is firmly based on the Hindu idea of ahimsa, and hence avoids physical violence.
From Introduction to Non-Violence by Theodore Paullin
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.
