violence
noun
vi·o·lence
ˈvī-lən(t)s 
ˈvī-ə-
1
a
: the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy
b
: an instance of violent treatment or procedure
2
: injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : outrage
3
a
: intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force
the violence of the storm
b
: vehement feeling or expression : fervor
also
: an instance of such action or feeling
c
: a clashing or jarring quality : discordance
4
: undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)
Examples of violence in a Sentence
They need to learn how to settle their arguments without resorting to violence.
movies filled with sex and violence
The violence of the storm caused great fear.
Recent Examples on the Web
The death of Marquez – a public figure with more than 100,000 Instagram followers – has sent shockwaves through a country that has long struggled with high levels of both homicide and violence against women.
—
Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The Left tends to think of violence as due to bad socio-economic conditions, which leads desperate people to resort to crime and violence in order to feed their families.
—Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
More: Trump will end Syria sanctions to 'give them a chance at greatness'
The Israeli escalation came against Palestinian hopes that the Trump visit might provide pressure for a deescalation of violence.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The writing and acting is simply outstanding, with moments of genuine humor followed by gut-wrenching scenes of violence or suspense.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for violence
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Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The Left tends to think of violence as due to bad socio-economic conditions, which leads desperate people to resort to crime and violence in order to feed their families.
—Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
More: Trump will end Syria sanctions to 'give them a chance at greatness'
The Israeli escalation came against Palestinian hopes that the Trump visit might provide pressure for a deescalation of violence.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The writing and acting is simply outstanding, with moments of genuine humor followed by gut-wrenching scenes of violence or suspense.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for violence
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violence. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
violence
noun
vi·o·lence
ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s
1
: the use of force in a way that harms a person or property
2
: great force or energy especially of a destructive kind
the violence of the storm caused great fear
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