# violently

/ˈvaɪəɫəntɫi/ (US) · /vˈaɪələntli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/violently
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. with physical force

adverb · CEFR B2

using a lot of physical force, often in a way that hurts someone or breaks something.

For teachers: with great physical force or aggression, often resulting in injury or damage.

- The wind blew so violently that it knocked down several old trees in the park.
- The protesters clashed violently with the security forces outside the embassy, resulting in several arrests and minor injuries on both sides.

### 2. extremely or suddenly

adverb · CEFR B2

very strongly or suddenly, often used for feelings or physical reactions like being sick.

For teachers: to an intense or extreme degree; often used to describe sudden physical reactions or powerful emotional shifts.

- He became violently ill after eating the spoiled seafood at the restaurant.
- She disagreed violently with the board's decision, arguing that the new policy would alienate their most loyal customers.

## Examples

- The wind blew so violently that the old tree fell down.
- The protesters reacted violently when the police tried to clear the square, leading to several arrests.
- The ship rocked violently as the storm intensified, forcing the crew to secure all loose equipment before the waves could wash anything overboard.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.