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

Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil's girlfriend was arrested on domestic violence charges. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Trask, 33, a domestic violence victim who talked about that on the trail, had lobbied successfully for stronger laws to protect women. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

He previously was accused of battery on a moving truck driver, faced several domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support and other incidents. — CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Adel Ramos, who shot and killed Sacramento Police Department Officer Tara O’Sullivan in an ambush-style slaying as O’Sullivan responded to a domestic violence call, was among the latest to be condemned in capital courts. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 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