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 incident happened Sunday when Deputy Anthony Gonzalez, 25, responded to a frantic domestic violence call at a home near Tampa, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025

While these attacks have continued, organizations that provide critical services to domestic violence survivors, such as emergency housing, have shared that demand remains high, and needs are going unmet. —Gwen Moore, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

But one of the first provisions to take effect under the law removes SNAP eligibility for most refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking and domestic violence victims, and other legal immigrants. —Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025

The docudrama chronicles Martin's transformation from West Virginia teenager to championship boxer in the 1990s, as well as her struggles with LGBTQ identity and domestic violence. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 Oct. 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