vi|o|lence

vi|o|lence «VY uh luhns», noun.

1. rough force in action: »

He slammed the door with violence.

2. rough or harmful action or treatment: »

the violence of war. The dictator ruled with violence.

3. harm; injury: »

It would do violence to her principles to work on Sunday.

4. Law. a) the unlawful use of physical force to injure or damage persons or property. b) intimidation by threatening such use of force. c) an instance of using such force or intimidation.

5. strength, as of action or feeling; fury; passion.

6. the improper treatment or use of a word; distortion of meaning or application.

7. rape.

╂[< Anglo-French, Old French violence, learned borrowing from Latin violentia impetuosity, vehemence < violēns, -entis; see etym. under violent (Cf. ↑violent)]