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

Refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking and domestic violence are among those who have lost coverage. — Mikella Schuettler, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

Vaccaro, who filed for divorce, is also suing Hill, 32, alleging at least eight domestic violence incidents. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Johnson urged anyone who is, or knows of someone who is, experiencing domestic violence to call the local domestic violence assistance hotline at 816–458-5463 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. — Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Marx asked Weiser to apologize for tying him and his wife to domestic violence. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 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