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

Other Word Forms

• nonviolent 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

“Walking as public witness, we will unite in prayer, nonviolence, and unwavering solidarity with our immigrant neighbors,” the group said.

From Los Angeles Times

In comments last week, Sheinbaum has embraced nonviolence as a daily mantra, citing the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Cesar Chavez.

From Los Angeles Times

A city-ordered 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. downtown curfew that began Tuesday — along with many protesters’ calls for nonviolence — appeared to quell some of the late-night violence and property damage.

From Los Angeles Times

“If Ghandi can win with nonviolence, can we win with nonviolence?” she asked.

From Los Angeles Times

I remember his deep passion for politics and his commitment to nonviolence, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

From Salon

Related Words

• pacification 
• pacifism