violence

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvʌɪəl(ə)ns/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something: violence erupted in protest marches domestic violence against women the fear of physical violence screen violence
  • Law the unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation by the exhibition of such force.
  • 2strength of emotion or of a destructive natural force: the violence of her own feelings

Phrases

do violence to

damage or adversely affect: how can we regulate access to weapons without doing violence to the constitution?

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin violentia, from violent- 'vehement, violent' (see violent)

Spelling help

Remember that violence ends with -ence.