אלימות
alimút/aliˈmut/
The English word 'violence' is translated into Hebrew as אלימות (alimút).
אלימות refers to actions intended to cause destruction, pain or suffering. While the noun describes the concept of violence, you can also use the adjective אלים to describe someone or something as violent.
Meaning: action intended to cause destruction, pain or suffering (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun אלימות is feminine. Because of this, it requires feminine adjectives and verbs to accompany it in a sentence. The adjective form is אלים.
How do you pronounce it?
alimút
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, the word אלוהים (God) shares the same three-letter root as אלימות. This links the concept of 'mighty' or 'powerful' to the divine, even though the modern usage of אלימות is strictly negative.
- The root of אלימות is shared with the word אלוף, which means 'champion' or 'leader'. While they seem opposite, both words stem from an ancient concept of being 'strong' or 'mighty'.
- Hebrew has a specific distinction between אלימות, which refers to physical or systemic violence, and אכזריות, which refers specifically to 'cruelty' or the desire to cause pain.
Examples in context
- יש אלימות בכל מקום.Violence is everywhere.This sentence is useful for stating that אלימות exists everywhere.Tatoeba #13078151 by fekundulo, translation #12868630 by CK
- אנו לא אוהבים אלימות.We don't like violence.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for אלימות.Tatoeba #1809794 by MrShoval, translation #1176016 by CK
- זו היתה אלימות ללא פשר.This was senseless violence.This sentence is useful for describing a type of אלימות that is senseless.Tatoeba #1514523 by MrShoval, translation #1513216 by Spamster
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Maya are discussing a news report about a city conflict.
- דניאל Danielראית את החדשות? יש שם המון אלימות.Ra'it et ha-khadashot? Yesh sham hamon alimut.Did you see the news? There is a lot of violence there.
- מאיה Mayaכן, זה פשוט נורא לראות את זה.Ken, ze pashut Nora lir'ot et ze.Yes, it is simply terrible to see it.
- דניאל Danielאני מקווה שהם יפסיקו את האלימות בקרוב.Ani mekave she-hem yafsiku et ha-alimut be-karov.I hope they stop the violence soon.
- מאיה Mayaאני גם מקווה, דניאל.Ani gam mekava, Daniel.I hope so too, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry אלימות, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
