batterer

noun

bat·​ter·​er ˈba-tər-ər 

plural batterers

: a person who physically beats and abuses someone : someone who commits battery

One objection to this assertion is that it gives rapists and batterers an excuse for their crimes, and perhaps even a "pornography made me do it" defense.

—Wendy Kaminer, Atlantic, November 1992

… a situation in which a male batterer uses exaggerated forms of coercion and manipulation in addition to threats and physical abuse to maintain his female sexual partner's dependence on him.

—Daniel Brookoff et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, 7 May 1997

… the centers where convicted batterers get counseling …

—Michael Kimmel, Ms., November/December 1997

Batterers also can misinterpret religious texts to justify abuse.

—Sarah Childress, Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2003

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for batterer

• flatterer
• scatterer