Violent

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈvaɪ(É™)lÉ™nt/

Origin

From Old French violent, from Latin violentus, from vīs ("strength"). For the verb, compare French violenter.

Full definition of violent

Adjective

1. Involving extreme force or motion.A violent wind ripped the branch from the tree.
2. Involving physical conflict.We would rather negotiate, but we will use violent means if needed.
3. Likely to use physical force.The escaped prisoners are considered extremely violent.
4. Intensely vivid.The artist expressed his emotional theme through violent colors.
5. (obsolete) Produced or effected by force; not spontaneous; unnatural.
• ShakespeareThese violent delights have violent ends.
• T. BurnetNo violent state can be perpetual.
• MiltonEase would recant
  Vows made in pain, as violent and void.

Antonyms

• peaceful

Related terms

• violence

Verb

1. (transitive, archaic) To urge with violence.

Noun

1. (obsolete) An assailant.----