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

Hillsborough County Court records also showed two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023. —Claudia Lauer, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

The suspect had taken off from his home in a blue Volvo before police arrived in response to the domestic violence call, according to a Plymouth District Attorney statement. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

One in 4 homicides this year across Washington have been related to domestic violence incidents, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Jeffery Carroll. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026

The body of a missing University of South Florida doctoral student was found and the man’s roommate was arrested Friday at their home after a domestic violence incident at the residence, law enforcement said. —Daniella Silva, NBC news, 24 Apr. 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