domestic violence

noun

: violent or abusive behavior directed by one family or household member against another

He helped start Austin's Children's Advocacy Center, which works with abused kids, and 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

a domestic violence hotline

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 commissioner cited allegations of domestic violence that have been lodged in the past against the senator. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

As a formerly homeless person and survivor of domestic violence, Smith is part of the Continuum of Care’s People With Lived Expertise Committee which helps identify challenges facing homeless people. —Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025

Jones and her family believe Truss was a victim of domestic violence. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025

In his divorce filing, Madsen requested a domestic violence restraining order, while denying domestic violence charges made against him by DeAnna. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 July 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