adj. 1 involving or using great physical force (a violent person; a violent storm; came into violent collision). 2 a intense, vehement, passionate, furious (a violent contrast; violent dislike). b vivid (violent colours). 3 (of death) resulting from external force or from poison (cf. NATURAL adj. 2). 4 involving an unlawful exercise of force (laid violent hands on him). violently adv.
[ ME f. OF f. L violentus ]