violent

Using physical force to hurt people or damage things.

• His behaviour became violent.
• She survived a violent attack.
• The police recorded fewer violent crimes this year.

Similar words: brutal

Opposites: nonviolent, peaceful

Common phrases: violent behaviour, violent attack, violent crime

Involving fighting or the use of physical force against others.

• The protest ended in violent clashes.
• They rejected violent methods of gaining power.
• Several towns suffered years of violent conflict.

Opposites: nonviolent, peaceful

Common phrases: violent conflict, violent clashes, violent resistance

Likely to hurt people or damage things using physical force.

• He is a violent man.
• The prison holds several violent offenders.
• She was afraid of his violent temper.

Similar words: aggressive

Opposites: peaceful, gentle

Common phrases: violent person, violent offender, violent temper

Very strong or sudden in movement or force.

• A violent storm shook the house.
• The engine stopped with a violent jerk.
• Violent waves crashed against the rocks.

Similar words: fierce, forceful

Opposites: gentle

Common phrases: violent storm, violent shaking, violent explosion