Violent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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violent

[หˆvaษชษ™lษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something

Synonyms

aggressive, brutal, fierce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violent

This word is appropriate when describing actions, behaviors, or events that involve physical force and result in damage, injury, or harm. It can be used both in literal and figurative senses.

  • The protest turned violent, resulting in several injuries.
  • Violent video games are often criticized for their impact on children.
aggressive

Use this when referring to someone or something displaying a hostile or forceful behavior, often with an intention to dominate or assert control. It can apply to people, actions, or even strategies.

  • His aggressive behavior in meetings makes others uncomfortable.
  • The company adopted an aggressive marketing strategy to outcompete its rivals.
fierce

Use this when describing someone or something that is intense, strong, and forceful, often in a passionate or determined way. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She showed fierce determination in the face of adversity.
  • The fierce storm caused widespread damage.
brutal

This word is suitable when describing actions or situations that are extremely harsh, cruel, and often physically violent. It typically carries a negative connotation.

  • The brutal attack left the victim with severe injuries.
  • The dictator's regime was known for its brutal practices.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for violent behavior towards the police officers.
  • The movie contains scenes of graphic violence.
  • She was a victim of a violent assault.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotion

showing or caused by strong, intense, or extreme emotions

Synonyms

furious, intense, passionate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violent

Used to describe physical force with an intention to hurt or damage. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The protest turned violent, with clashes between the police and the demonstrators.
  • The violent storm caused widespread damage.
passionate

Used to describe strong emotions or enthusiasm, especially related to love, interests, or beliefs. Generally has a positive connotation.

  • She is passionate about animal rights and dedicates much of her time to activism.
  • They shared a passionate kiss under the moonlight.
intense

Used to describe situations, emotions, or efforts that have a high degree of concentration, strength, or seriousness.

  • The competition was intense, with every team giving their best.
  • He felt an intense pressure to succeed in his new job.
furious

Used to describe extreme anger or rage. Indicates an emotional state.

  • She was furious when she found out about the betrayal.
  • The judge was furious with the lawyer's misconduct in the courtroom.

Examples of usage

  • She had a violent reaction to the news of his death.
  • The storm produced violent winds and heavy rain.
  • He expressed his anger in a violent outburst.
Context #3 | Adjective

change

involving sudden and extreme changes

Synonyms

drastic, intense, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
violent

Used to describe actions, behaviors, or events that involve physical force intended to hurt or damage.

  • The protest turned violent when the police tried to disperse the crowd.
  • He was arrested for violent behavior during the altercation.
drastic

Applied to measures or actions that are extreme and sudden, usually to solve a serious problem.

  • The company had to take drastic measures to cut costs.
  • She made a drastic decision to move to another country.
severe

Used to describe conditions or actions that are very strict, harsh, or serious.

  • The region experienced a severe drought this summer.
  • His punishment for breaking the rules was severe.
intense

Describes situations, feelings, or experiences that are very strong or extreme in their nature.

  • The competition was intense, with all teams wanting to win.
  • He felt an intense pain in his leg after the accident.

Examples of usage

  • The country experienced a violent political revolution.
  • The volcano erupted with violent force.
  • The sudden drop in temperature caused violent storms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that exposure to violent behavior, especially in childhood, can lead to increased aggression in adulthood.
  • The study of violence includes understanding the role of social and environmental factors in influencing behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Violence in films and video games has been a major topic of debate, often leading to discussions about its effects on viewers and players.
  • Famous movies such as 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Fight Club' explore themes of violence and its implications in society.

History

  • Throughout history, wars and conflicts have often stemmed from violent confrontations over territory, beliefs, and power.
  • Significant uprisings, like the French Revolution, were marked by violent events that shaped modern political landscapes.

Literature

  • Classic literature often portrays violence to highlight moral dilemmas, such as the tragic fate of characters in Shakespeare's plays.
  • Modern authors use violent themes to critique societal issues, like in 'The Handmaid's Tale' where extreme physical oppression is depicted.

Origin of 'violent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'violentus,' which means 'vehement' or 'impetuous,' indicating strong, forceful emotions.
  • The term evolved through French before entering the English language in the late 14th century, emphasizing emotional intensity.

The word 'violent' originated from the Latin word 'violentus', meaning 'vehement, forcible'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally used to describe physical force or intensity. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass a range of contexts, from behavior to emotions to changes. The word has evolved to represent the extreme nature of force, emotions, or events.


See also: violently.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,079, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.