Violent
/ˈvaɪələnt/
Definitions
3 meaningsUsing or involving physical force, typically to cause injury or damage; characterized by uncontrolled or intense emotion.
/ˈvaɪələnt/
Using or involving physical force so as to cause injury or damage.
The movie contained several violent scenes.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone getting really, really mad and using their body to hurt someone or break something. That's violent! Like when someone throws a toy across the room when they're angry.
👶 For kids: When something is violent, it means it's rough and hurts people or things.
More Examples
He was arrested for violent behavior.
The storm brought violent winds and heavy rain.
How It's Used
"Police responded to a violent altercation at the bar."
"The novel depicted the violent struggle for power."
Causing or resulting from the use of physical force, often resulting in injury or destruction.
/ˈvaɪələnt/
Of actions or events: caused by the use of physical force or violence.
A violent explosion rocked the city.
💡 Simply: When something *happens* with a lot of force, like an explosion or a fight. Think of a really big storm with strong winds that can knock down trees.
👶 For kids: When things happen with a lot of power and can hurt things or people.
More Examples
The protests turned violent after nightfall.
They are known to be a violent gang.
How It's Used
"The court determined the incident was a violent crime."
"The French Revolution was a violent upheaval."
Displaying or caused by intense or uncontrolled emotion, often anger or rage.
/ˈvaɪələnt/
Characterized by intense emotion, especially anger.
He had a violent reaction to the news.
💡 Simply: When someone's feeling really, really strong emotions, like being very angry or upset. Think of a rollercoaster ride with lots of ups and downs.
👶 For kids: When people are feeling very, very mad or upset.
More Examples
The debate became violent.
A violent argument broke out between them.
How It's Used
"She experienced violent mood swings during her illness."
"He has a violent temper."
Synonyms
Aggressive
Brutal
Destructive
Fierce
Forceful
Savage
Powerful
Turbulent
Furious
Intense
Passionate
Raging
Idioms & expressions
violent crime
A crime in which violence is used or threatened.
"The police are investigating a violent crime that occurred last night."
violent storm
A storm with intense wind, rain, and/or other severe weather phenomena.
"A violent storm caused widespread power outages."
violence erupts
Violence suddenly begins or breaks out.
"Violence erupted during the demonstration."
From Latin *violentus*, meaning 'vehement, forceful,' from *vis* 'force, power.' It entered English in the late 14th century.
The word has been used since the late 14th century, with its usage primarily referring to acts of physical force or the exhibition of intense emotions, often in a negative context. It was used in legal documents and historical texts to describe conflicts and wars.
Memory tip
Think of a V-shaped lightning bolt – it's a *violent* display of nature's power.