First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
violent
adjective vi·o·lent \-lənt\
: using or involving the use of physical force to cause harm or damage to someone or something : showing violence
: caused by physical force or violence
: trying to physically attack someone because of anger
Full Definition of VIOLENT
1
: marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity <a violent attack>
2
3
: caused by force : not natural <a violent death>
4
a : emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control <became violent after an insult> b : prone to commit acts of violence <violent prison inmates>
— vi·o·lent·ly adverb
See violent defined for English-language learners
See violent defined for kids
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Origin of VIOLENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim
Related to VIOLENT
- Synonyms
- bang-bang, blood-and-guts, convulsive, cyclonic, explosive, ferocious, fierce, furious, hammer-and-tongs, hot, knock-down, drag-out (or knock-down-and-drag-out), paroxysmal, rabid, rough, stormy, tempestuous, tumultuous, turbulent, volcanic
- Antonyms
- nonviolent, peaceable, peaceful
VIOLENT Defined for Kids
violent
adjective vi·o·lent \ˈvī-ə-lənt\
Definition of VIOLENT for Kids
1
: showing very strong force <a violent earthquake>
3
: using or likely to use harmful force <a violent person>
4
: caused by force <a violent death>
— vi·o·lent·ly adverb <The ground shook violently.>
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