This study uses data from the second and third waves of the National Youth Survey to examine the effect of neutralizations regarding violence on violent behavior. Data indicate that only a small percentage of adolescents generally approve of violence or express indifference to violence. A large percentage of adolescents, however, accept neutralizations justifying the use of violence in particular situations. Both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data suggest that the acceptance of these neutralizations contributes to violent behavior. Further, the effect of these neutralizations on violence is conditioned by certain variables; neutralization is most likely to lead to violent behavior among those who disapprove of violence and associate with delinquent peers.