Violence is the use of physical force to hurt, damage, or destroy. When someone punches another person, smashes a window in anger, or kicks furniture, they're acting with violence. The word describes actions meant to cause harm or destruction through force.

Violence can happen between individuals, like when bullies use physical force to intimidate classmates, or on a larger scale during wars and conflicts. Natural forces can also be described as violent: a violent storm tears through a town with destructive winds, or violent ocean waves crash against rocky cliffs.

Something violent is intense, forceful, and often destructive. A violent disagreement might involve shouting and physical aggression, while a regular disagreement just involves words. A violent reaction means responding with sudden, forceful intensity.

Violence causes real harm and suffering. Most societies have laws against violence because it damages people and communities. When conflicts arise, people who handle them nonviolently use words, compromise, and peaceful problem-solving instead of force.