They witnessed a violent struggle between police and protesters. The peaceful protest suddenly turned violent. The city has experienced an increase in violent crime in the past year. The final scene was extremely violent. She suffered a violent death in a car accident. The patient suddenly became violent and had to be restrained. He's not a particularly violent person. See More
Recent Examples on the WebOther changes implemented include: Changing the department's primary focus to stopping violent crimes.The Courier-Journal, 11 Sep. 2022 Nearly 50 percent of those housed by the jail are facing charges for violent crimes. Michael Murney, Chron, 9 Sep. 2022 By contrast, GEDmatch is an online piece of software that can be used by anyone, including law enforcement agencies investigating certain violent crimes.WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 Police use those serial numbers to trace weapons used in murders and other violent crimes. Zusha Elinson, WSJ, 6 Sep. 2022 Suspects accused of murder and other violent crimes seldom get released on bail anywhere in the world. Mark Stevenson, ajc, 4 Sep. 2022 The Promise Program is a diversion program that allows students to avoid criminal prosecution for non-violent crimes by attending a program at an alternative school. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office changed its policies starting Sept. 2, that will make prison time mandatory to plea agreements on violent gun crimes. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2022 Biden's prime-time address comes at a time when murders in the city are up, albeit slightly, compared to the same time last year, and the city has seen a spate of violent crimes. Stephanie Pagones, Fox News, 1 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Time Traveler
The first known use of violent was in the 14th century