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

Police said officers learned the fire was part of a domestic violence incident, and the fire had been intentionally started. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 Jan. 2026

At the time, Lively was under fire for highlighting her haircare line and adopting a light-hearted tone in interviews, rather than addressing the film’s serious themes of domestic violence. —Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

There are four shelters in Charlotte; two facilities for men run by Roof Above; a woman’s shelter run by the Salvation Army; and a domestic violence shelter. —Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026

This is the true face and tragedy of domestic violence. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 22 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