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
Researchers and experts cite many reasons for this, including the rise of gun violence, food insecurity, and health care accessibility.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 July 2025
One of his biggest accomplishments was helping form the Minneapolis Urban Coalition after the Plymouth Avenue violence in 1967.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
Coming from Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north, Buhari campaigned on promises to eliminate extremist violence, particularly from Boko Haram, and to combat the rampant corruption that had plagued Africa's largest economy.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Aiken said a friend of hers was at the 4th of July celebration an hour before the violence erupted.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for violence
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Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 July 2025
One of his biggest accomplishments was helping form the Minneapolis Urban Coalition after the Plymouth Avenue violence in 1967.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
Coming from Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north, Buhari campaigned on promises to eliminate extremist violence, particularly from Boko Haram, and to combat the rampant corruption that had plagued Africa's largest economy.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Aiken said a friend of hers was at the 4th of July celebration an hour before the violence erupted.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 13 July 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 19 Jul. 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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