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

The cycle of domestic violence can sometimes start with verbal criticism, followed by physical abuse, and then an apology, according to experts. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

The actor has also spoken about her own experience with domestic violence growing up. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Ireland has been working on the play, which explores the impact of domestic violence, for more than a decade. — Carey Purcell, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

The report identified cases in which people released from custody were later accused of murder, domestic violence, robbery, and other crimes. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 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