nonviolence

[ non-vahy-uh-luh ns ]

/ nɒnˈvaɪ ə ləns /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR nonviolence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

absence or lack of violence; state or condition of avoiding violence.

the policy, practice, or technique of refraining from the use of violence, especially when reacting to or protesting against oppression, injustice, discrimination, or the like.

Nearby words

Compare passive resistance.

Origin of nonviolence

First recorded in 1915–20; non- + violence

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for non-violence

In 1960, he was the first African to receive the peace prize, and like King, he believed strongly in non-violence.
Martin Luther King’s Nobel Speech Is an Often Ignored Masterpiece|Malcolm Jones|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Non-violence for Mandela was not a principle but rather a tactic.
Mandela and My Son|Yousef Munayyer|December 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I see little difference between their activities and my struggle for peace, non-violence, and tolerance.
Jailed Egyptian Blogger Calls Out to U.S.|Maikel Nabil Sanad|June 25, 2011|DAILY BEAST
He had tens of thousands of devoted, Muslim followers—all committed to non-violence.
The Palestinians' Secret Weapon|Matthew McAllester|June 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST

His commitment to human rights, peace and non-violence stands as a monument to his humanity and courage.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
Doubt has, however, been expressed in some quarters about the soundness of the principle of non-violence.
Freedom Through Disobedience|C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das
Non-violence does not carry with it that degeneration which is inherent in the use of violence.
Freedom Through Disobedience|C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das
It would probably be better to call it "non-violence by necessity."
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin
To the pacifist who holds such a position, non-violence is imperative even if it does not work.
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin

British Dictionary definitions for non-violence

nonviolence

/ (nɒnˈvaɪələns) /

noun

abstention from the use of physical force to achieve goals

Derived Formsnonviolent, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for non-violence

non-violence

also nonviolence, 1831, from non- + violence. Gandhi used it from 1920.

nonviolence

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of nonviolence

Examples from the Web for non-violence

British Dictionary definitions for non-violence

nonviolence

noun

Word Origin and History for non-violence

non-violence