What does violently mean?
Violently is an adverb meaning with great force, violence, or intensity. It can describe a physical action, as in a person who moved violently or a storm that shook a building violently, and it can also describe a sudden or extreme condition, such as violently ill. Figuratively, the word indicates intense emotion, emphatic disagreement, or forceful opposition: someone may be violently opposed to a plan or react violently to bad news. In these uses, violently emphasizes the strength or abruptness of the response rather than necessarily implying physical harm. The word is common in standard British and American English and can appear in formal reports, journalism, literature, and everyday conversation. Its close association with force makes it especially useful when describing both literal violence and strong emotional or ideological intensity.
adverbWith great force, violence, or intensity; or to an extreme degree, often suddenly.
- With great physical force or violence.
- To a severe or extreme degree, often suddenly.
- With very strong feeling or opposition.
"The storm violently shook the windows throughout the night."
"The protesters violently opposed the proposed changes."
"She became violently ill shortly after eating the contaminated food."
Violently comes from a family rooted in the Latin idea of force, so its emphasis is as much on power and intensity as on physical violence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does violently come from?
Violently is the adverbial derivative of violent. The adjective violent entered Middle English through Middle French violent, ultimately from Latin violentus, meaning forceful, fierce, or violent. The Latin word is associated with vim, “force” or “strength,” and with related forms such as violate and inviolate.
How violently is actually used
Violently is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It can describe physical force, sudden severe symptoms, intense emotions, or emphatic opposition. Its figurative uses are strong rather than neutral, and it is common in formal writing as well as speech.