violent

Definition

Involving extreme force or motion.

Etymology

From Middle English violent, from Old French violent, from Latin violentus, from vīs (“strength”). Displaced native Old English stræc. For the verb, compare French violenter.

Example Sentences

• "A violent wind ripped the branch from the tree."
• "We would rather negotiate, but we will use violent means if necessary."
• "Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns."

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