violence
n.-
1 physical harm (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatephysical force used to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.
the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, or a group, resulting in injury or death.
ExampleThe government is trying to reduce the level of violence in the city.
ExampleThe documentary explores how systemic poverty can lead to cycles of community violence that are difficult to break without significant social investment.
UsageOften used with the verbs 'commit', 'resort to', or 'erupt'.
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2 extreme force (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya very strong or powerful force, often used to describe weather or nature.
the quality of being extremely intense, forceful, or powerful in a way that causes destruction.
ExampleThe violence of the storm broke several windows in the old house.
ExampleThe sheer violence of the volcanic eruption surprised geologists, who had expected a much more gradual release of pressure.
UsageCommonly used to describe storms, winds, or emotional outbursts.
Teacher's tipIn this sense, the word emphasizes the power of the event rather than a human intent to hurt.
- mildness
- calm
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3 injustice (n.) C2 Proficiency Formal Academicdoing something that goes against a rule, a feeling, or the truth.
an instance of doing harm to a principle, meaning, or right; often used in the phrase 'do violence to'.
ExampleThe new movie version does violence to the original story in the book.
ExampleCritics argued that the modern translation did violence to the poet's original meter and subtle use of metaphor.
UsageUsually appears in the construction 'to do violence to [something]'.
Teacher's tipThis is a figurative use. It suggests that a change is so bad it 'hurts' the original idea.
From Middle English violence, from Old French violence, from Latin violentia, from adjective violentus, see violent. Displaced native Old English stræc.