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

Since the case grabbed national headlines in 2021, Petito's parents have become advocates for missing persons and domestic violence victims. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025

Michael Lohan, the father of Lindsay Lohan, has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Texas. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

That led to a warrant for Hyde’s arrest on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, reported WOIO, citing court records. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025

Before his death, Brings Plenty had gone missing after he was declared wanted by the Lawrence Police Department on allegations of domestic violence. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Feb. 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