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violent

A2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /vˈaɪələnt/

US

  • /ˈvaɪələnt/
  • /ˈvaɪlənt/

Description

"Violent" describes people, actions, or events that involve strong force and cause harm or damage. It is more than just being strong; it usually suggests an extreme kind of force that hurts people, damages things, or feels dangerous. You might describe a storm as violent if the winds are strong enough to tear down trees, or an argument as turning violent when people start hitting each other. The word is most often used for physical harm, but it can also describe something very sudden or extreme, like a violent reaction or a violently worded letter.

Examples

  1. 1

    Protest

    The protest turned violent after a group of people started throwing bottles.

  2. 2

    Personal violence

    He was charged after becoming violent toward a security guard.

  3. 3

    Crime context

    The mayor promised to do more to reduce violent crime in the area.

  4. 4

    Film content

    This film is too violent for young children.

  5. 5

    Severe weather

    The coast was hit by violent storms overnight.

  6. 6

    Physical symptom

    She had a violent cough and could hardly finish a sentence.

    • Meaning

      violent here

      very strong

  7. 7

    Online reaction

    The actor's comments triggered a violent reaction online.

    • Phrase

      violent reaction

      an extremely angry or emotional response

  8. 8

    Public opposition

    There was violent opposition to the plan to close the local hospital.

    • Phrase

      violent opposition

      extremely strong anger against something

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • violentadjective