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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for domestic violence

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domestic violence was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on domestic violence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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