violent
VEYE-uh-luhnt
Violent (adj) means using or involving physical force meant to hurt or kill. Example: “The neighbourhood had seen a rise in violent crime.”
adj
1
Using or involving physical force meant to hurt or kill.
"The neighbourhood had seen a rise in violent crime."
"He has a history of violent behaviour when drunk."
"The film was banned for young children because of its violent scenes."
2
Extremely strong, forceful, or intense.
"A violent storm knocked out power across the region."
"A violent gust of wind slammed the door shut."
"She felt a violent urge to laugh in the middle of the meeting."
How to use violent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving physical force to hurt someone, or (for weather, emotion, etc.) extremely intense.
Common pairings
a violent attack
violent crime
a violent storm
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Word forms
- Plural
- violents
- Third person singular
- violents
- Past tense
- violented
- Comparative
- violenter, more violent
- Superlative
- most violent, violentest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighbourhood had seen a rise in _____ crime.
Etymology
From Latin violentus, from vīs, "strength, force."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonviolent
peaceful
Related words
Rhymes for violent
See all rhymes for violent →Frequently asked questions
What does “violent” mean?
The word “violent” means using or involving physical force meant to hurt or kill. In plain terms, involving physical force to hurt someone, or (for weather, emotion, etc.) extremely intense.
How do you pronounce “violent”?
“Violent” is pronounced VEYE-uh-luhnt (/ˈvaɪ.ə.lənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “violent” in a sentence?
Here is “violent” used in a sentence: “The neighbourhood had seen a rise in violent crime.”
What is the opposite of “violent”?
The opposite of “violent” — its antonyms — is peaceful.
What part of speech is “violent”?
“Violent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “violent” come from?
The word “violent” comes from Latin. From Latin violentus, from vīs, "strength, force.".
Is “violent” a common word?
“Violent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “violent” have?
“Violent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: using or involving physical force meant to hurt or kill.
What is the difference between violent and aggressive?
Aggressive describes forceful, hostile, or pushy behaviour and intent, which may never become physical. Violent means actually using physical force meant to hurt or kill. An aggressive person may shout and threaten; a violent one strikes or attacks. Aggression is the hostile drive; violence is the harmful physical act that can follow.
Can 'violent' describe things other than people?
Yes. Beyond physical attacks, 'violent' describes any intense, uncontrolled force: a violent storm, a violent explosion, a violent argument, or a violent reaction. In these uses it means sudden and extreme rather than literally intending harm. The common thread is powerful, forceful energy that feels dangerous or destructive.
What are examples of violent behaviour?
Violent behaviour involves physical force intended to injure, such as hitting, kicking, assault, or armed attack. It differs from anger or raised voices, which become violence only when they turn into physical harm. The defining feature is the use of force against a person, animal, or property to cause damage.
What is the opposite of violent?
The main opposites are peaceful, gentle, and nonviolent, describing actions or people that avoid physical force and harm. Calm and mild work when contrasting with the intensity of a violent storm or reaction. Which opposite fits depends on whether you mean physical harm or sheer force and intensity.
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