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
And this is why so many people are living in a situation of violence.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
For too long, New Yorkers — particularly those impacted by violence or the justice system — have faced barriers to employment that strip them of opportunity and hope.
—Keith Howard, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
While there, Emilia feels haunted by her past and inspired to help those impacted by cartel violence.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025
In another artist’s hands, The Return might have become a straightforward show about the corrosion of small-town America, or the incursion of extraordinary violence into polite society—something of that order.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for violence 
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Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
For too long, New Yorkers — particularly those impacted by violence or the justice system — have faced barriers to employment that strip them of opportunity and hope.
—Keith Howard, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
While there, Emilia feels haunted by her past and inspired to help those impacted by cartel violence.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025
In another artist’s hands, The Return might have become a straightforward show about the corrosion of small-town America, or the incursion of extraordinary violence into polite society—something of that order.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for violence
Dictionary Entries Near violence
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violence. Accessed 11 Feb. 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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