Characterized by the use of physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill. It can also describe something intense, extreme, or occurring with great force.
From Latin 'violentus' meaning 'vehement' or 'forcible,' derived from 'vis' meaning 'force' or 'strength.' The word has maintained its core meaning of forceful action throughout its history, though it has expanded to describe non-physical intensity as well.
The Latin root 'vis' that gives us 'violent' also gives us words like 'vigor' and 'vim,' showing how the concept of force can be channeled in both destructive and positive ways. Even 'violet' the flower shares this root, named for its intense color!
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