What does "violent" mean?

1. (physical aggression) using physical force to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. 2. (powerful force or motion) happening with a lot of sudden, strong force. 3. (extreme or intense) very strong or severe, like a bad pain or a bright colour.

violent

adj.

US //ˈvaɪəɫənt// UK //vˈaɪələnt// vi·o·lent

1 physical aggression (adj.)
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.

Example

The police were called because the protest had become violent.

Example

The documentary examines the root causes of violent crime in urban centres, focusing on the intersection of poverty and systemic neglect.
- peaceful
- gentle
2 powerful force or motion (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

happening with a lot of sudden, strong force.

involving or caused by extreme physical force or sudden, intense motion.

Example

The ship struggled to stay upright during the violent storm.

Example

The earthquake caused a violent shaking of the ground that lasted for nearly two minutes, toppling several older structures in the district.
- mild
- weak

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3 extreme or intense (adj.)
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.

Example

She woke up with a violent headache that made it hard to see.

Example

The artist used violent contrasts of orange and purple to convey the emotional turmoil of the scene.
- slight
- dull

Origin

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.