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

He was sentenced in April 2024 to one year of domestic violence counseling. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 13 Dec. 2025

Inman was charged with murder, assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Dec. 2025

Roughly half of American women and 40% of American men will experience domestic violence at least once in their lives. —Javier Cárdenas, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025

In 2021, Dick was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon against his then-fiancée, then again, a few months later, on domestic violence charges for allegedly hitting his boyfriend with a liquor bottle. —Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

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