violent
- 01 B1 Intermediate
using physical force to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.
characterised by the use of physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill.
Simple“The police were called because the protest had become violent.”
In context“The documentary examines the root causes of violent crime in urban centres, focusing on the intersection of poverty and systemic neglect.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
happening with a lot of sudden, strong force.
involving or caused by extreme physical force or sudden, intense motion.
Simple“The ship struggled to stay upright during the violent storm.”
In context“The earthquake caused a violent shaking of the ground that lasted for nearly two minutes, toppling several older structures in the district.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
very strong or severe, like a bad pain or a bright colour.
characterised by an extreme degree of intensity, severity, or vividness.
Simple“She woke up with a violent headache that made it hard to see.”
In context“The artist used violent contrasts of orange and purple to convey the emotional turmoil of the scene.”
Usage violent crime · violent threats
From Middle English violent, from Old French violent, from Latin violentus, from vīs (“strength”). Displaced native Old English stræc. For the verb, compare French violenter.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.