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

Those arrests were related to a 2013 bankruptcy case, suspicion of careless driving in 2021, and suspicion of domestic violence and battery in 2023. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026

She was involved in a bankruptcy case in 2013 at age 23, was arrested on suspicion of careless driving in 2021 and was arrested again in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence and battery. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Help for domestic violence in Minnesota is also available 24/7 through the Day One crisis hotline by calling 866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026

France touted his experience fighting against domestic violence as an activist. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 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