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

According to documents filed in family court last year, Butler’s wife said that Butler had been the subject of multiple domestic violence calls, welfare checks by police and various mental health cases between February 2020 and February 2025. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

Advocates for people with developmental disabilities and domestic violence survivors had to mobilize to stop potentially devastating cuts to programs. —Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026

Three days before Raina was born, he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, moved out of the family apartment, and was later served with a restraining order. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Records show Moise has an extensive criminal history, including past charges of domestic violence, battery, burglary, and carjacking. —Peter D'oench, CBS News, 28 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