violent / forceful
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violent
Using physical force, often with the intention of injuring, damaging, or killing someone or something.
Die Demonstranten wurden gewaltsam von der Polizei vom Platz entfernt.
The protesters were violently removed from the square by the police.
The adjective 'gewaltsam' (violent/forceful) is derived from the noun 'die Gewalt' (violence/force). The ending '-sam' means something like 'full of' or 'characterized by'. So something is 'gewaltsam' when it is marked by violence or force.
Der Einbruch in die Bank war sehr gewaltsam.
The break-in at the bank was very violent.
'Gewaltsam' is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly with the verb.
Die Polizei löste die Blockade gewaltsam auf.
The police forcibly broke up the blockade.
In its literal meaning, 'gewaltsam' is often connected with negative events. Common combinations are 'ein gewaltsamer Tod' (a violent death), 'ein gewaltsames Eindringen' (a forced entry), or 'eine gewaltsame Auseinandersetzung' (a violent confrontation).
Die Zeugen berichteten von einem gewaltsamen Übergriff.
The witnesses reported a violent assault.
In the figurative meaning, 'gewaltsam' describes something that seems forced and unnatural. It is often used to describe the suppression of feelings or reactions.
Sie konnte ein gewaltsames Lachen nicht unterdrücken.
She could not suppress a forced laugh.
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'gewaltsam' are opposites when the question is whether something happens on its own and normally, or is forced. 'natürlich' describes a normal, unforced course of events. Here, 'gewaltsam' means that something happens through pressure or force and does not arise by itself. The contrast is especially clear with changes, separations, or interventions: naturally, something develops without force; forcefully, it is made to happen.
Mein Vater hat das alte Schloss gewaltsam geöffnet, weil der Schlüssel abgebrochen war.
My father forced the old lock open because the key had broken off.
Nach ein paar Tagen fand die Gruppe wieder einen natürlichen Rhythmus auf der Reise.
After a few days, the group found a natural rhythm again on the trip.