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violent
/ˈvaɪələnt/
using physical force to harm
The protest turned violent when some people started throwing rocks.
The situation became aggressive and dangerous.
general
Using physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill.
The movie was criticized for its violent scenes.
The film contained disturbing imagery of aggression.
He has a violent temper and often yells at people.
His anger is expressed in aggressive, harmful ways.
Can describe actions, emotions, or media content that are aggressive or harmful.
figurative
Very strong or intense (often used metaphorically).
The team made a violent effort to win the championship.
The team exerted extreme energy and force to succeed.
Less common; emphasizes extreme intensity rather than physical harm.
Collocations
violent crimecrimes involving physical harm or forceviolent protesta demonstration that becomes aggressive or destructiveviolent reactionan extreme, often harmful response
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'violent'
Reserve 'violent' for serious harm or aggression. For mild conflicts, use 'aggressive' or 'intense' instead.
Gold Rule
Physical harm vs. metaphorical use
'Violent' primarily describes physical harm. Metaphorical uses (e.g., 'violent storm') are secondary and less common.
Word Origin
From Old French *violent* (14th c.), from Latin *violentus* ('impetuous, violent'), related to *vis* ('force, strength').
Usage Notes
Avoid using 'violent' to describe minor conflicts; it implies serious harm or aggression. In some contexts, it may be softened (e.g., 'violent storm' = very strong storm).
Word Breakdown
viol-
force or strength
root-ent
adjective-forming suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary