violent

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Involving extreme force or motion.

   • A violent wind ripped the branch from the tree.
2. 2

   Involving physical conflict.

   • 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.
3. 3

   Likely to use physical force.

   • The escaped prisoners are considered extremely violent.
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Intensely vivid.

      • 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 […]
   2. 5

      Produced or effected by force

      Produced or effected by force; not spontaneous; unnatural.

      • These violent delights have violent ends.
      • 1684-1690, Thomas Burnet, Sacred Theory of the Earth and no violent state by his own Maxim, can be perpetual,
      • Ease would recant / Vows made in pain, as violent and void.
   3. 6

      Acute, extreme, sharp.

   4. 7

      To urge with violence.

      • a great adversary , stepping in , so violented his Majesty to a trial
   5. 8

      An assailant.

      • Did the Covetous extortioner observe that he is involv'd in the same sentence, [and] remember that such Violents shall take not heaven, but hell, by force.

The neighborhood

• antonympeaceful
• neighborviolence