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 domestic violence survivor has experienced multiple instances and stands fully behind a campaign taking aim at the act. —Allen Devlin, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026

After a fight with Mortensen, Paul is arrested and charged with assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to the Herriman Police Department. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Pion, who was already under house arrest in a previous domestic violence case involving his girlfriend, dragged her into the path of oncoming traffic, according to police. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

That woman was Joyce Shelter Holt, founder and executive director of Hagar’s Sisters, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence in Christian homes. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 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