Meaning of violent in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈvaɪ(ə)lənt/

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1. Classifying Adjective

   violent

   Definitions

   1. effected by force or injury rather than natural causes

   Examples

   • « a violent death »

   Synonyms

   • unnatural
2. 2. (of colors or sounds) intensely vivid or loud

   Examples

   • « a violent clash of colors »
   • « her dress was a violent red »
   • « a violent noise »
   • « wild colors »
   • « wild shouts »

   Synonyms

   • intense
3. 3. marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions

   Examples

   • « inclined to react violently »
   • « fervid »
   • « fierce loyalty »
   • « in a tearing rage »
   • « vehement dislike »
   • « violent passions »

   Synonyms

   • intense
4. 4. characterized by violence or bloodshed

   Examples

   • « writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days- Andrea Parke »
   • « fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing- Thomas Gray »
   • « convulsed with red rage- Hudson Strode »

   Synonyms

   • bloody

5. Qualitative Adjective

   violent

   Etymology

   Middle English (in the sense ‘having a marked or powerful effect’): via Old French from Latin violent-‘vehement, violent’

   Definitions

   1. acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

   Examples

   • « a violent attack »
   • « a violent person »
   • « violent feelings »
   • « a violent rage »
   • « felt a violent dislike »

   Synonyms

   • convulsive
   • ferocious
   • fierce
   • furious
   • savage
   • hot
   • raging
   • knockdown-dragout
   • knock-down-and-drag-out
   • lashing
   • lurid
   • rampageous
   • ruffianly
   • tough
   • slam-bang
   • terrorist

   Antonyms

   • nonviolent

See also

• hostile
• unpeaceful