Definition

1. Noun:
   • Physical force intended to cause damage, injury, or death: "Violence" refers to the use of physical power with the intent to harm, damage, or kill someone or something.
   • Intense, turbulent, or destructive force: "Violence" can describe the great intensity or destructive power of a natural phenomenon or an emotion.
   • An unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power: This meaning refers to a violation of rights or a harmful action against someone who resists.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The government condemned the violence during the protests.
  • The violence of the hurricane left the coastal town in ruins.
  • He was a victim of domestic violence.
  • The film was criticized for its graphic depiction of violence.

Advanced Usage

• "to do violence to": To act contrary to; to violate or distort.
  • The simplified translation does violence to the complexity of the original poem.
• "with violence": Using physical force, often in a criminal context.
  • He was charged with robbery with violence.

Variants and Related Words

• Violent (adj): Using or involving physical force intended to hurt or damage; very strong or powerful.
  • He has a violent temper.
  • A violent storm.
• Non-violence (n): The practice of using peaceful methods, not force, to bring about political or social change.
  • The movement was committed to the principle of non-violence.

Synonyms

• Force: Coercive power or physical strength.
• Brutality: Savage physical violence; cruelty.
• Ferocity: The state or quality of being ferociously violent or intense.
• Aggression: Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes.

Related Phrases

• Domestic violence: Violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the abuse of a spouse or partner.
• Gang violence: Violence carried out by gangs or organized groups.
• Political violence: Violence used for political goals, such as terrorism or insurrection.

Related Idioms

• An act of violence: A specific instance of violent behavior.
  • The shooting was a senseless act of violence.

Noun

1. a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.
2. the property of being wild or turbulent
   • the storm's violence
3. an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
   • he may accomplish by craft in the long run what he cannot do by force and violence in the short one