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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
Joyce was equally supportive of her son, despite being a victim of domestic violence herself.
—Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024
More to Read The 91 Freeway standoff began with a domestic violence investigation, ended in a suicide
May 28, 2024
Police pressured him to confess to a murder that never happened.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City has become the first unionized domestic violence shelter in Missouri following a vote Thursday.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024
The man was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, endangering a child and other charges.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for domestic violence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'domestic violence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1891, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of domestic violence was
in 1891
Dictionary Entries Near domestic violence
Cite this Entry
“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on domestic violence
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about domestic violence
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