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
Then, Donald Trump benefited from chaos on the southern border, rising terrorism, violence against police, and voter dissatisfaction with the economy.
—
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 4 May 2024
The violence prompted criticism over the university’s handling of the protests.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for violence 
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 4 May 2024
The violence prompted criticism over the university’s handling of the protests.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for violence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'violence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near violence
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violence. Accessed 7 May. 2024.
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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