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 domestic violence arrest helped to spark a tumultuous custody battle, during which Sangalang raised concerns about Ortiz’s use of opioids. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

People were concerned about different things in different neighborhoods, everything from speeding and aggressive driving to juvenile crime to domestic violence. — Ruben Castaneda, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026

In the wake of Gallagher’s being charged with domestic violence offenses, former cast members from other Below Deck franchises have chimed in on the show’s vetting standards. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026

Bravo has fired Below Deck‘s Nathan Gallagher after the Akira One crew member skipped out on his court date for domestic violence allegations. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 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