violence

Violence is the exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse. The word is used broadly to describe the destructive action of natural phenomena like storms and earthquakes. More frequently the word describes forceful human destruction of property or injury to persons, usually intentional, and forceful verbal and emotional abuse that harms others. Johan Galtung defines violence as "avoidable insult to basic human needs": survival, well being, identity, and freedom.

See also: Nonviolence