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

On the track, the rapper accuses Lamar of domestic violence against his fiancée, Whitney Alford, and claims that one of their children is not biologically his. —Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office previously said a deputy fired multiple times Sunday evening at a man who was wanted under suspicion of domestic violence and had led officers on a car chase nearing 100 mph. —Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

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