nonviolence

[ non-vahy-uh-luhns ]

/ nɒnˈvaɪ ə ləns /

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See 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.

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Compare passive resistance.

Origin of nonviolence

First recorded in 1830–35; 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; see origin at ahimsa

Words nearby nonviolence

nonvenomous, nonverbal, nonverbal communication, nonviable, nonvintage, nonviolence, nonviolent, nonviolent resistance, nonviscous, nonvolatile, nonvoter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nonviolence in a sentence

Having immersed themselves in works on nonviolence, they began to apply the tactic to segregated public accommodations in northern and border states.
The public has underestimated the radicalism of Martin Luther King Jr.’s early work|Victoria Wolcott|January 17, 2022|Washington Post
King’s open embrace of nonviolence came with political risks.
The public has underestimated the radicalism of Martin Luther King Jr.’s early work|Victoria Wolcott|January 17, 2022|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.
The public has underestimated the radicalism of Martin Luther King Jr.’s early work|Victoria Wolcott|January 17, 2022|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.
Gloria Richardson pushed aside a bayonet as a ’60s civil rights activist. Now 98, she wants the new generation to fight on.|Keith L. Alexander|December 11, 2020|Washington Post

That's how they kept clean, meeting with the mayor one day and affirming no snitching over nonviolence the next.
De Blasio and the New York City Protesters Have No Blood on Their Hands|Jacob Siegel|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Abbas has been committed—quite unsuccessfully, but nevertheless committed—to nonviolence.
After the Israel Synagogue Massacre: A New Intifada?|Michael Tomasky|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is why nonviolence is a powerful as well as a just weapon.
Alex Haley’s 1965 Playboy Interview with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.|Alex Haley|January 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I saw there, I felt there, for the first time, the pride and the power of nonviolence.
Alex Haley’s 1965 Playboy Interview with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.|Alex Haley|January 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Our policy to achieve a nonracial state by nonviolence had achieved nothing,” he concluded.
Anger at the Heart of Nelson Mandela’s Violent Struggle|Christopher Dickey|December 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Every problem would lend itself to solution if we determined to make the law of truth and nonviolence the law of life.
Autobiography of a YOGI|Paramhansa Yogananda
It takes a fairly strenuous course of training to attain a mental state of nonviolence.
Autobiography of a YOGI|Paramhansa Yogananda
Nonviolence is infinitely more wonderful and subtle than forces of nature like, for instance, electricity.
Autobiography of a YOGI|Paramhansa Yogananda
Nonviolence is the natural outgrowth of the law of forgiveness and love.
Autobiography of a YOGI|Paramhansa Yogananda
He believed in nonviolence and the sanctity of life—until the first test, when he had killed without hesitation.
Planet of the Damned|Harry Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for nonviolence

nonviolence

/ (nɒnˈvaɪələns) /

noun

abstention from the use of physical force to achieve goals

Derived forms of nonviolence

nonviolent, 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

nonviolence

Origin of nonviolence

Words nearby nonviolence

Words related to nonviolence

How to use nonviolence in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for nonviolence

Derived forms of nonviolence