Etymology Map
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Violence

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means behaviour using physical force

Where does the word "violence" come from? It comes from Latin violentia, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
violentia
Latin · ancient
"vehemence"
from 'vis', force
2
Stage 2 of 3
violence
Old French · medieval
"violence"
use of force
3
Stage 3 of 3
violence
English · 1300s
"force"
'domestic violence' dates from the 1970s
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Read the full story

Violence’s story begins in Latin: violentia meant “vehemence.” From 'vis', force. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as violence. Use of force. It reached English by 1300s as violence. 'domestic violence' dates from the 1970s. Today, violence means behaviour using physical force.