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

There had been a recent domestic violence incident at the same address involving Torbick and Motykie. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

The suspect, Nicholas Hunter Grigsby, had been ordered to avoid the coffee house as part of domestic violence protective order, court documents report. —Mark Price may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Ligdis, 30, was a nursing student at Diablo Valley College whose family has tried to raise awareness about domestic violence in light of her death. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

Books in this category address war, gun violence, natural disasters, domestic violence, human trafficking, slavery and genocide, physical fighting, and more. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 7 May 2026

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