nonviolent

[non-vahy-uh-luhnt]

adjective

1. not violent; free of violence.

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

Other Word Forms

• nonviolently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonviolent¹

First recorded in 1915–20; non- + violent

Example Sentences

But what we can do is call attention to the forms of nonviolent resistance that challenge our prevalent culture of rage and alienation.

Read more on Salon

Her commitment to nonviolent change dates to the days of antidemocratic strongman Hugo Chávez.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Wong, who spent decades teaching a doctrine of nonviolent resistance, died Wednesday at a hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 69, due to cardiopulmonary failure with complications from endocarditis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a video posted Wednesday, Fonda, 87, said the goal was not to form another organization but to “grow a movement” centered on “creative, nonviolent noncooperation.”

Read more on Salon

Rigorously self-educated about the law and routinely targeted by guards, these inspiring subjects have stayed dedicated to nonviolent reform.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pacifist 
• passive