violently
gb/vˈaɪələntli/ us/vˈaɪələntli/
B1
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
With great physical force
In a way that uses a lot of force and energy, often causing harm or damage.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] violently
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'violently' with 'angrily'; 'violently' focuses on force, not emotion, though emotion can be involved.
Synonyms
forcefully (Implies strong effort or power, but not necessarily harm.)
Antonyms
gently (Suggests doing something softly and without force.)
Collocations
shake violently
|hit violently
|react violently
|storm violently
|crash violently
Themes
violence
|movement
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The wind shook the windows violently during the storm.
- He slammed the door violently before leaving.
- The waves crashed violently against the rocks.
- She pushed the chair violently out of her way.
Learner examples
- The dog shook its head violently.
- The car hit the wall violently.
- He closed the box violently.
- The tree fell violently in the storm.
adverb
B2
property
2
With extreme emotion
In a way that shows very strong feelings, often suddenly and not calmly.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] violently
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'violently' instead of more precise adverbs like 'angrily' or 'fiercely' when describing emotions.
Synonyms
vehemently (Conveys strong emotion or passion, often in speech or reaction.)
Antonyms
calmly (Implies doing something without strong emotion or excitement.)
Collocations
react violently
|oppose violently
|argue violently
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|communication
Examples
- He reacted violently to the accusation.
- She opposed the plan violently during the meeting.
- They protested violently against the new law.
Learner examples
- He shouted violently at the man.
- She argued violently with her friend.
- They reacted violently to the news.
adverb
B2
property
3
Causing injury or death by force
In a way that hurts or kills someone using strong force.
Synonyms
brutally (Emphasizes cruelty and deliberate harm.)
Antonyms
peacefully (Implies without violence, harm, or disturbance.)
Collocations
die violently
|attack violently
Themes
violence
|crime
|law
|health
Examples
- Several people died violently in the attack.
- The victim was killed violently during the robbery.
- The animals fought violently until one was injured.
Learner examples
- The man died violently in the war.
- They attacked the city violently.
- The two men fought violently in the street.
Grammar
Dictionary form
violently
IPA
GB/vˈaɪələntli/
US/vˈaɪələntli/
Syllables & stress
vi - ol - ently (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: violently
- Plural: violentlies
Word family
Expressions
die violently
1/dˈaɪ vˈaɪələntli/
fixed phrase
Lose life due to violence
To be killed in a way that uses strong force or attack.
Examples
- Many soldiers died violently in the battle.
- The detective believed the victim had died violently.
react violently
1/ɹiˈækt vˈaɪələntli/
fixed phrase
Respond with extreme force or emotion
To answer or behave in a very strong and angry way.
Examples
- He reacted violently when he heard the news.
- Some fans reacted violently to the referee’s decision.
shake violently
1/ʃˈeɪk vˈaɪələntli/
fixed phrase
Move quickly with great force
To move up and down or side to side very fast and strongly.
Examples
- The child shook violently from the cold.
- The building shook violently during the earthquake.