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

In 2023, he was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend. —Essence, 22 Mar. 2025

Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History The man fatally shot by a CPD officer yesterday during a domestic violence incident in Pullman has been identified by authorities. —Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

Police believe the stabbing was a domestic violence incident between two people who knew each other. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

Three years prior, in March 2022, Munoz was investigated over a different domestic violence case. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 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