Words / B2

VEYE-uh-l-uh-nt/ˈvaɪələnt/

Violent means using physical force to hurt, or sudden and strong: a violent storm; a violent crime. Aggressive is wider (can be words); fierce is for intensity. A violent storm cancelled the fieldwork. Mix-up: violet is the colour and flower. Do not call a heated debate violent without evidence of force.

Meaning

Using physical force to hurt; also sudden and strong.

Examples

• “A violent storm cancelled the coastal fieldwork, the risk assessment noted.”
• “Violent crime fell in the borough, which is the offence sense.”

Good to know

a violent storm / crime / film; violently. Wider: aggressive. Trap: violet. Geography, citizenship, and media. Force or sudden intensity, not mere shouting.

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