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

This year, donations will support local nonprofits that help survivors of domestic violence and breast cancer, as well as wildlife and children and families in need. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Legal Woes Rainey was arrested in June 2011 and charged with domestic violence, according to the Los Angeles Times. —Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

Belknap — whose university research has largely taken place in prisons and domestic violence shelters — described the event as among the most horrifying scenes she’s witnessed. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025

Michigan Department of Corrections The Macomb Correctional Facility in Lenox Township donated over 6,000 pounds, including 20 pumpkins, to at least two Metro Detroit nonprofits dedicated to helping people dealing with domestic violence. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 22 Nov. 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