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

The money supports cases such as consumer protections, domestic violence and wrongful evictions. — Nick Sullivan july 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

For instance, where there's active addiction, abuse, domestic violence, coercion or unmanaged mental health issues. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026

Records show police responded to multiple allegations of domestic violence against him through 2017, but the victims all declined to press charges. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Georgia has launched a new program aimed at protecting survivors of family and domestic violence by shielding their addresses from abusers, Caleb Groves reports. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 July 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