Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Achieved without bloodshed: Describes an action, change, or process that is accomplished without causing injury or death.
   • Abstaining (on principle) from the use of violence: Describes a person, group, or philosophy that actively and deliberately refrains from using physical force or aggression, often as a moral or political stance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The activists organized a nonviolent protest in the city square.
  • Gandhi's nonviolent resistance movement inspired people worldwide.
  • They sought a nonviolent resolution to the conflict.

Advanced Usage

• "Nonviolent civil disobedience": A form of protest where people deliberately break certain laws or refuse to cooperate with authorities, but do so without using violence.
  • The sit-in was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience.
• "Nonviolent communication": A communication process that focuses on expressing feelings and needs without blame or judgment, aiming to resolve conflicts peacefully.
  • The workshop taught techniques for nonviolent communication.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonviolence (n): The principle or practice of abstaining from violence.
  • He was a strong advocate for nonviolence.
• Nonviolently (adv): In a manner that does not involve violence.
  • The crowd demonstrated nonviolently.

Synonyms

• Peaceful: Characterized by peace; free from disturbance or violence.
• Passive: Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance (can be similar in the context of resistance).
• Pacific: Promoting peace; peaceful.

Antonyms

• Violent: Using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill.
• Aggressive: Ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by aggression.
• Forceful: Strong and assertive; vigorous and powerful, often implying the use of force.

Related Phrases

• "Principle of nonviolence": The foundational belief that political or social change should be sought without using violent means.
  • Her actions were guided by the principle of nonviolence.
• "Nonviolent action": A general term for methods of protest, noncooperation, and intervention conducted without physical violence.
  • The campaign relied on various forms of nonviolent action.

Adjective

1. achieved without bloodshed
   • an unbloody transfer of power
2. abstaining (on principle) from the use of violence