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

She was arrested in 2021 on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Pinellas County. — Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Harris had a history of violence against Carter, including physical abuse during their relationship, and had only recently been released from prison after serving time for domestic violence assault. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

The California Supreme Court is poised to rule in a lawsuit that has pitted the state’s court reporters — the workers who create transcripts of court proceedings — against victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable litigants. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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