nonviolent

[ non-vahy-uh-luh nt ]

/ nɒnˈvaɪ ə lənt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR nonviolent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not violent; free of violence.

peacefully resistant, as in response to or protest against injustice, especially on moral or philosophical grounds.

Nearby words

nonverbal, nonverbal communication, nonviable, nonvintage, nonviolence, nonviolent, nonviolent resistance, nonviscous, nonvital pulp, nonvolatile, nonvoter

Origin of nonviolent

First recorded in 1915–20; non- + violent

Related formsnon·vi·o·lent·ly, adverb

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

Examples from the Web for non-violent

An investment in creating a non-violent world for adolescent girls will have many positive impacts.
How Your Company Can End Violence Against Girls|Gary Cohen|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“If we want to see Palestinians making the choice of non-violent resistance, that choice has to be incentivized,” said Munayyer.
Israel’s Murdered Teenagers and Dying Hopes for Peace|Sarah Shourd|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 2010, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China."
Congress Trolls China With a Street Name|Tim Mak|June 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The protest at Recapture Canyon was non-violent, though there were guns present.
How Cliven Bundy and the Land Rights Movement Screws Native Americans|Caitlin Dickson|May 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Given the non-violent nature of their demonstration, a judge said the sentence would likely be reduced.
The Nuclear Nun Goes to Jail|Lizzie Crocker|February 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the international field, we also have examples of the use of non-violent coercion.
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin
Or they might attempt to coerce their opponents, either by violent or non-violent means.
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin
This is true whether the group desires to use violent or non-violent methods.
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin
Non-violent implies voluntary submission to the penalty for non-co-operation with evil.
Freedom's Battle|Mahatma Gandhi
She didn't fit into the bland, non-violent world of Malcomb and Hoppy.
Star Performer|Robert J. Shea

Word Origin and History for non-violent

non-violent

adj.

also nonviolent, 1896, from non- + violent. From 1920 in reference to "principle or practice of abstaining from violence," in writings of M.K. Gandhi.

It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence. [Gandhi, "Non-violence in Peace and War," 1948]