ahimsa
|a-him-sa|
C1
/əˈhɪmsə/
nonviolence
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ahimsa' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'ahiṃsā', where 'a-' meant 'non-' and 'hiṃsā' meant 'injury or harm'.
Historical Evolution
'ahiṃsā' was adopted into English directly from Sanskrit, maintaining its original form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'non-injury or non-harm', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principle of nonviolence toward all living beings.
Ahimsa is a key tenet in Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/05 05:21