violencia
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “violencia” mean in English?
violence — behaviour involving physical force causing harm; intense force
violence — behaviour involving physical force causing harm; intense force (violencia doméstica/de género; actos de violencia)
Example sentences
La violencia doméstica es un problema social que requiere una respuesta coordinada entre los servicios sociales y el sistema judicial.
Domestic violence is a social problem that requires a coordinated response between social services and the justice system.
La violencia simbólica, concepto desarrollado por Bourdieu, se ejerce a través de normas culturales y no de la fuerza física.
Symbolic violence, a concept developed by Bourdieu, is exercised through cultural norms rather than physical force.
Las autoridades advirtieron del peligro de banalizar la violencia en los videojuegos consumidos por menores.
The authorities warned of the danger of trivialising violence in video games consumed by minors.
How to use it
La violencia (noun, feminine) means 'violence' — behaviour involving physical force causing injury, or intense emotional/structural force. Core B2 collocations: violencia doméstica/de género; actos de violencia; violencia verbal/simbólica; ejercer/combatir la violencia; ciclos de violencia. The adjective is violento/a. Distinguish from agresión (aggression — a specific act), conflicto (conflict — which may be non-violent), and abuso (abuse — a pattern).
Common mistake
Violencia de género = gender-based violence (not just 'violence against women' — it encompasses all gender-based violence). Violencia doméstica/intrafamiliar = domestic violence. 'Non-violent' = no violento/pacífico. Don't confuse violencia (ongoing force) with agresión (a single aggressive act).