violence
gb/vˈaɪələns/ us/vˈaɪələns/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
use of physical force to harm
When someone uses physical force to hurt people or damage things.
Usage pattern:
[someone] uses violence against [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'violence' with 'violation'. 'Violation' means breaking a rule or law, not necessarily using physical force.
Synonyms
brutality (Emphasizes extreme cruelty and savagery in the use of force.)
|
aggression (Focuses more on hostile behavior, not always physical.)
Antonyms
peace (A state without conflict or physical harm.)
|
nonviolence (The principle of avoiding physical force to resolve conflicts.)
Collocations
domestic violence
|violent crime
|acts of violence
|violence against women
|erupt into violence
Themes
crime
|conflict
|law
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The protest remained peaceful until a small group began using violence.
- The movie contains scenes of graphic violence.
- Authorities are working to reduce gang violence in the city.
- He was arrested for committing an act of violence against his neighbor.
Learner examples
- Violence is a problem in some cities.
- The man used violence to take the money.
- They want to stop violence in schools.
- Violence can hurt many people.
Noun
B2
entity
2
extreme force or intensity
Very strong and dangerous force, like in a storm or an angry reaction.
Synonyms
fury (Emphasizes intense, uncontrolled power, often emotional or natural.)
|
ferocity (Highlights wild and savage intensity.)
Antonyms
calm (A lack of force, movement, or disturbance.)
Collocations
the violence of the storm
|with sudden violence
|violence of the explosion
Themes
nature
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The violence of the hurricane destroyed hundreds of homes.
- He slammed the door with unexpected violence.
- They were shocked by the sheer violence of her reaction.
Learner examples
- The violence of the wind broke the tree.
- He spoke with violence in his voice.
- The violence of the waves sank the boat.
Grammar
Dictionary form
violence
IPA
GB/vˈaɪələns/
US/vˈaɪələns/
Syllables & stress
vi - ol - ence (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: violence
- Plural: violence
Word family
Expressions
break out in violence
1/bɹˈeɪk ˈaʊt ˈɪn vˈaɪələns/
fixed phrase
suddenly become violent
To suddenly start fighting or hurting people.
Examples
- The peaceful protest broke out in violence after dark.
- Violence broke out in several parts of the city.
erupt into violence
1/ɪɹˈʌpt ˈɪntu vˈaɪələns/
fixed phrase
quickly become violent
To suddenly change from being calm to fighting or hurting people.
Examples
- The meeting erupted into violence when tempers flared.
- The game erupted into violence after a foul call.
escalate into violence
1/ˈɛskəlˌeɪt ˈɪntu vˈaɪələns/
fixed phrase
conflict grows violent
When an argument or problem becomes violent over time.
Examples
- The argument escalated into violence before police arrived.
- What began as a disagreement escalated into violence.
turn to violence
1/tˈɚn tə vˈaɪələns/
fixed phrase
resort to violent action
To decide to use force to get what you want or solve a problem.
Examples
- When negotiations failed, some protesters turned to violence.
- He never turns to violence, preferring peaceful solutions.
domestic violence
1/dəmˈɛstɪk vˈaɪələns/
fixed phrase
Abuse within a household or family relationship
Violence or bad treatment between people in the same family or home, often between partners.
Examples
- Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects millions worldwide.
- The organization provides support for victims of domestic violence.
- The shelter provides support for survivors of domestic violence.
- Domestic violence is a serious crime that can happen in any community.