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Nonviolence: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonviolence

 

[ nɒnˈvaɪə.ləns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophy, activism

Nonviolence is the practice of advocating for peaceful change without the use of physical force. It is often associated with social and political movements that aim to achieve change while minimizing harm to individuals and groups. Nonviolence can take many forms, including protests, civil disobedience, and advocacy. Figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are notable proponents of nonviolent resistance, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving social justice.

Synonyms

civil disobedience, non-aggression, peaceful resistance

Examples of usage

  • The movement was grounded in principles of nonviolence.
  • She chose nonviolence as a strategy for social change.
  • His commitment to nonviolence influenced many activists.
  • Nonviolence requires patience and resilience.
  • The philosophy of nonviolence can change lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonviolence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não-violência

🇮🇳 अहिंसा

🇩🇪 Gewaltlosigkeit

🇮🇩 tanpa kekerasan

🇺🇦 ненаціональність

🇵🇱 nieprzemoc

🇯🇵 非暴力

🇫🇷 non-violence

🇪🇸 no violencia

🇹🇷 şiddetsizlik

🇰🇷 비폭력

🇸🇦 لاعنف

🇨🇿 nenásilí

🇸🇰 nenásilie

🇨🇳 非暴力

🇸🇮 nenasilje

🇮🇸 ofbeldisleysi

🇰🇿 зорлық-зомбылықсыздық

🇬🇪 არაძალადობა

🇦🇿 şiddətsizlik

🇲🇽 no violencia

Etymology

The term 'nonviolence' emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the ideas of social and political activists who opposed the use of violence to achieve change. Its roots can be traced back to the teachings of various religious and philosophical traditions that emphasize peace and compassion. Mahatma Gandhi popularized the concept in the context of India's struggle for independence from British rule through his doctrine of 'Satyagraha', which advocates for nonviolent resistance as a means to effect social change. This idea later influenced civil rights movements around the world, particularly in the United States, where Martin Luther King Jr. adopted nonviolence as a foundational principle for the African American civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The evolution of nonviolence as a concept has led to its incorporation in various social justice movements across the globe, and it continues to inspire activists who seek to address issues of inequality and oppression without resorting to violence.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,276, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.