domestic violence

noun

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

He helped start Austin's Children's Advocacy Center, which works with abused kids, and 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

a domestic violence hotline

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

Local nonprofits focused on issues from homelessness to domestic violence faced harsh cuts that, in some cases, mean skimming down their workforce. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025

Stinson had a history of domestic violence, according to the district attorney’s office. —Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025

Most homicides are linked to social or domestic violence situations. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

Things took a dark turn next, however, with Hawk getting arrested in Southern California in late summer 2020 on domestic violence allegations of inflicting corporal punishment on a spouse or cohabitant in Santa Ana. —Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 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