Violent

/ˈvaɪ.ə.lənt/ · adjective

Meaning

Involving extreme force or motion..

Definitions by Sense

1. Involving extreme force or motion.
2. Involving physical conflict.
3. Likely to use physical force.
4. Intensely vivid.
5. Produced or effected by force; not spontaneous; unnatural.
6. Acute, extreme, sharp.
7. (transitive, archaic) To urge with violence.
8. (obsolete) An assailant.

Example Sentences

A violent wind ripped the branch from the tree.

We would rather negotiate, but we will use violent means if necessary.

Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns.

The escaped prisoners are considered extremely violent.

The artist expressed his emotional theme through violent colors.

We have already observed, that he was a very good-natured fellow, and he hath himself declared the violent attachment he had to the person and character of Jones […]

1684-1690, Thomas Burnet, Sacred Theory of the Earth and no violent state by his own Maxim, can be perpetual,

These violent delights have violent ends.

Synonyms for violent

Antonyms for violent

Related Words

Word Forms

• violenter
• more violent
• violentest
• most violent
• violents
• violenting
• violented

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions