domestic violence

noun

: violent or abusive behavior directed by one family or household member against another

He helped start Austin's Children's Advocacy Center, which works with abused kids, and 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

a domestic violence hotline

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

Ralph Taylor has been convicted of felonies and has a history of domestic violence, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. —Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025

He is charged with violation of injunction for protection against domestic violence and violation of probation/community control, ActionNewsJax.com reported. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

Drug and alcohol abuse, a domestic violence charge (that was dropped) and struggles with mental health derailed his professional career. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025

How it is applied to different psychological situations or situations of domestic violence is likewise not explained. —Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 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