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

This is deeply unfair and heartbreaking to victims, including victims of domestic violence, who have courageously engaged with the system to seek justice. —Mimi Rocah, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025

By Tony Hicks | Bay City News A Salinas man was sentenced to more than six years in prison last month for felony child abuse, domestic violence, possession of child pornography, and other crimes. —Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025

Conversely, a substantial number of offenses were newly excluded from eligibility, including those involving DUI, stalking, domestic violence, prostitution, and unauthorized surveillance, among others. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Gibson lost his right to own a gun after being convicted on misdemeanor domestic violence charges in 2011. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 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