violently
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈaɪələntli/
US
- /ˈvaɪələntli/
- /ˈvaɪləntli/
Description
- with great force
- aggressively
- intensely
- uncontrollably
- forcefully
Imagine a storm, not just rain, but wind violently shaking the trees and waves violently crashing against the shore. "Violently" describes something happening with extreme force, intensity, or uncontrolled energy. It often suggests anger, damage, or danger. You might close a door firmly, but you would violently slam it in anger. A person might react violently to bad news, meaning they respond in a wild, forceful, or harmful way. It can also describe sudden, powerful movement, as when a car violently shakes after hitting something or a sick person violently coughs.
The word "violently" describes something done with great force, intensity, or aggression. It goes beyond simply being strong; it suggests a powerful and often damaging or uncontrolled impact. It is most often used for negative situations involving anger, conflict, injury, or sudden physical force. For example, someone might react violently to an insult, a crowd might turn violently against a decision, or a person might be violently thrown to the ground in an accident.
"Violently" can also describe sudden, extreme physical movement or strong bodily action. A machine can violently shake, the sea can violently crash against rocks, and someone who is very ill might violently cough or vomit. In these cases, the word still carries the idea of force and lack of control, even when no person is attacking anyone.
Think about how an earthquake violently shakes the ground. It is not just movement, but chaotic, forceful upheaval. That is the core idea of the word: something is happening with such strength that it feels harsh, dangerous, or out of control. Whether it describes a physical attack, a powerful natural event, a strong emotional reaction, or severe shaking, "violently" tells you that the action is not gentle or calm. It is intense, forceful, and impossible to ignore.
Examples
- 1
Turbulence
The plane started to shake violently during the storm.
- 2
Sea conditions
Waves were crashing violently against the rocks.
- 3
Chemical reaction
Some chemicals can react violently if they are mixed together.
- 4
Sudden sickness
He became violently ill after eating the spoiled fish.
Phrase
violently ill
suddenly and severely sick
- 5
Crowd violence
The crowd reacted violently when the police moved in.
- 6
Strong opposition
Her father was violently opposed to the idea of moving abroad.
Pattern
violently opposed to + idea/plan
strongly and angrily against it
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- violentlyadverb