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

Arechiga has an extensive criminal history of domestic violence against the victim, according to court records. —City News Service, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

Tribal courts and, in some cases, federal courts now handle a growing share of domestic violence cases involving Native citizens. —Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026

The benefits extend to some military families and those responding to a personal safety issue, such as stalking or domestic violence. —Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

Under Texas House Bill 5202, the Department of Public Safety has created a free, online database that contains information on domestic violence offenders who have been convicted two or more times of crimes relating to violence and stalking. —Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 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