/ ˈvaɪələns; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
violence (against sb) violent behaviour that is intended to hurt or kill sb :
crimes / acts / threats of violence
He condemned the protesters' use of violence against the police.
domestic violence (= between family members)
Why do they always have to resort to violence ?
Violence broke out / erupted inside the prison last night.
Is there too much sex and violence on TV?
2.
physical or emotional force and energy :
The violence of her feelings surprised him.
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from Latin violentia , from violent- vehement, violent.