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 shooting happened as multiple law enforcement responded to the scene of a domestic violence call, according to Tony Mattivi, director of the KBI. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025

Depicting the domestic violence storyline for audiences has been as important to Sweeney as the boxing story. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 15 Nov. 2025

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after multiple law enforcement officers were shot Saturday during a domestic violence incident in Osage County. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

Three people are dead and is wounded after South Gate police were called to the scene of a domestic violence incident that ended with gunfire early Saturday morning, according to authorities. —Austin Turner, CBS News, 15 Nov. 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