violence
noun
vi·o·lence
ˈvī-lən(t)s
ˈvī-ə-
1
a
: the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy
b
: an instance of violent treatment or procedure
2
: injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : outrage
3
a
: intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force
the violence of the storm
b
: vehement feeling or expression : fervor
also
: an instance of such action or feeling
c
: a clashing or jarring quality : discordance
4
: undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)
Cite this Entry
“Violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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