domestic violence

noun

: violent or abusive behavior directed by one family or household member against another

a domestic violence hotline

He helped start … a family-justice division of the D.A.'s office, which prosecutes those accused of domestic violence and helps their families get back to normal.

—John Cloud

In another disturbing trend, women are victims of domestic violence that spills into the workplace.

—Sarah Henry

Examples of domestic violence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paulson is a three-time cancer warrior and a domestic violence survivor. — Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 30 June 2026

He is legally prohibited from owning firearms due to a prior felony domestic violence conviction, according to the FBI. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

He was charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence) and unlawful possession of weapons used to commit indictable offense (domestic violence), according to the police release. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Some noted that their allegations led to domestic violence convictions. — Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for domestic violence

• nonviolence

Kids Definition

domestic violence

noun

: the inflicting of physical harm by one family or household member on another

Legal Definition

domestic violence

noun

domestic vi·​o·​lence

: violence committed by one family or household member against another see also restraining order at order