violence
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
physical 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.
Simple“The government is trying to reduce the level of violence in the city.”
In context“The 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'.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a 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.
Simple“The violence of the storm broke several windows in the old house.”
In context“The 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.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
doing 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'.
Simple“The new movie version does violence to the original story in the book.”
In context“Critics 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.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage violence against women · violence terror' · violence against polling
“The region has seen a wave of violence as jihadists have been fighting government security forces as well as Western and other allied troops.”
“It protects them from the violence coming from criminal groups,” he told Al Jazeera.”
From Middle English violence, from Old French violence, from Latin violentia, from adjective violentus, see violent. Displaced native Old English stræc.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.