VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

violent

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈvaɪələnt/
US/ˈvaɪələnt/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Using or involving strong physical force that hurts or damages people or things.

    Grammar: Before a noun or after 'be': a violent attack; he became violent.

    Patterns

    • be violent toward someone
    • turn violent

    Police arrested a man for a violent attack.

    The protest turned violent late at night.

    He has a history of violent behavior.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Very strong and sudden, as with weather or emotions.

    Grammar: Used for storms, shocks and feelings.

    Patterns

    • a violent storm
    • a violent reaction

    A violent storm tore branches from the trees.

    He had a violent argument with his brother.

    The earthquake gave the house a violent shake.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounfigurative

    Showing very strong, sharp contrast, especially with colors.

    Grammar: Often with 'violent' colors.

    Patterns

    • a violent contrast

    The wall was painted a violent shade of orange.

    There was a violent contrast between rich and poor.

    The film opens with violent images and sound.

Word forms

comparativemore violent
superlativemost violent

Common combinations

violent crime
Violent crime has fallen in the city.
violent storm
A violent storm hit the coast.
turn violent
The demonstration turned violent.
violent death
The film begins with a violent death.
violent temper
He had a violent temper.
violent clash
There was a violent clash between rival fans.

Synonyms and how they differ

brutal
Brutal stresses cruelty and lack of mercy, more than violent.
aggressive
Aggressive describes hostile behavior that may not lead to harm.
fierce
Fierce describes intensity and wildness, whether or not it hurts.
savage
Savage suggests extreme, wild cruelty, stronger than violent.

Opposites

peacefulgentlecalm

Word family

violence noun
behavior using force to hurt
violently adverb
with great force
nonviolent adjective
not using force
violate verb
to break a rule or law

Commonly confused: violent or violet?

violent vs violet

Violet is a purple color or a flower, while violent relates to force.

Practice

The peaceful march suddenly turned ___ after a clash with the crowd.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “violent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words