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

Authorities took Alex Porter, 23, into custody after an internal investigation found that the deputy was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident in late May, according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office Friday. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 19 June 2026

Guevara and Avila had dated, but he’d been ordered by a judge to stay away from her over allegations of domestic violence, according to court records. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 June 2026

In the wake of that ruling, the Supreme Court upheld in 2024 a federal law barring people subject to domestic violence restraining orders from having guns. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Leymon, the criminal justice professor, said Oregon’s law fixes a key weakness in the fight against domestic violence and stalking. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 18 June 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