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

Her husband, Travis Cosper, unconnected to the domestic violence, stood nearby. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Dec. 2025

In January, Bryan was arrested on a second-degree domestic violence charge, and in 2024, he was arrested twice for driving under the influence, his fourth and fifth time being arrested on such charges. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

The actor allegedly violated his probation from a prior domestic violence conviction, while Cartwright faces five different charges, as jail records show. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

The report could not confirm allegations that Altaheri was involved in a domestic violence incident or asked officers to cover it up. —Julia Avant, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

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