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Showing results for violence. Search instead for violences.
Synonyms

violence

American  
[vahy-uh-luhns] / ˈvaɪ ə ləns /

noun

  1. swift and intense force.

    the violence of a storm.

    Synonyms:
    fury, impact, power, might
  2. rough or injurious physical force, action, or treatment.

    to die by violence.

  3. an unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power, as against rights or laws.

    to take over a government by violence.

  4. a violent act or proceeding.

  5. rough or immoderate vehemence, as of feeling or language.

    the violence of his hatred.

  6. damage through distortion or unwarranted alteration.

    to do editorial violence to a text.


violence British  
/ ˈvaɪələns /

noun

  1. the exercise or an instance of physical force, usually effecting or intended to effect injuries, destruction, etc

  2. powerful, untamed, or devastating force

    the violence of the sea

  3. great strength of feeling, as in language, etc; fervour

  4. an unjust, unwarranted, or unlawful display of force, esp such as tends to overawe or intimidate

    1. to inflict harm upon; damage or violate

      they did violence to the prisoners

    2. to distort or twist the sense or intention of

      the reporters did violence to my speech

"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

Other Word Forms

  • antiviolence adjective
  • counterviolence noun
  • self-violence noun

Etymology

Origin of violence

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin violentia; violent, -ence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"To be honest with you, I think the repercussions of staying silent are worse than me speaking up and standing with my peers against violence," said Jason Ignacio White, former Noma employee.

From BBC

The Israeli military condemned the violence and said it was working to bring those responsible to justice.

From BBC

"This careless violence will not be tolerated in our community. Such shooters will find their next destination to be our jails and prisons," Hochman added.

From BBC

Opinion polls have shown that crime and violence are the leading concerns of Brazilians, followed by corruption and the economy.

From Barron's

Authorities also said it was too early to determine whether the violence is linked to tension over the conflict in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal