nonviolence

[ non-vahy-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. absence or lack of violence; state or condition of avoiding violence.
2. 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.

nonviolence

/ nɒnˈvaɪələns /

noun

1. abstention from the use of physical force to achieve goals

Derived Forms

• nonˈviolent, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonviolence¹

First recorded in 1830–35; nonviolence def 2 was brought into prominence by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920–25, and again by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1955–60; non- + violence; possibly a loan translation of Sanskrit ahiṃsā; ahimsa ( def )

Example Sentences

Having immersed themselves in works on nonviolence, they began to apply the tactic to segregated public accommodations in northern and border states.

From Washington Post

King’s open embrace of nonviolence came with political risks.

From Washington Post

They brought their experiences with direct action to Montgomery and encouraged King, who kept weapons in his home for self-defense, to fully embrace nonviolence.

From Washington Post

Although she says she believed in nonviolence as a “first step” in demonstrations, she also encouraged her followers to use physical force if confronted with threats.

From Washington Post

That's how they kept clean, meeting with the mayor one day and affirming no snitching over nonviolence the next.

From The Daily Beast

Abbas has been committed—quite unsuccessfully, but nevertheless committed—to nonviolence.

From The Daily Beast

This is why nonviolence is a powerful as well as a just weapon.

From The Daily Beast

I saw there, I felt there, for the first time, the pride and the power of nonviolence.

From The Daily Beast

“Our policy to achieve a nonracial state by nonviolence had achieved nothing,” he concluded.

From The Daily Beast

Every problem would lend itself to solution if we determined to make the law of truth and nonviolence the law of life.

From Project Gutenberg

It takes a fairly strenuous course of training to attain a mental state of nonviolence.

From Project Gutenberg

Nonviolence is infinitely more wonderful and subtle than forces of nature like, for instance, electricity.

From Project Gutenberg

Nonviolence is the natural outgrowth of the law of forgiveness and love.

From Project Gutenberg

He believed in nonviolence and the sanctity of life—until the first test, when he had killed without hesitation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pacification
• pacifism