domestic violence

noun

: violent or abusive behavior directed by one family or household member against another

a domestic violence hotline

He helped start … 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

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 addition to stalking and domestic violence crimes, the companies must also act in cases that involve violations of protective orders in stalking cases. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 1 May 2026

In February, both the Draper City Police Department and West Jordan Police Department opened domestic violence cases involving Paul and Mortensen, stemming from a series of allegations each made that the other acted violently during a series of altercations that month. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

The former couple appeared in a Salt Lake City courtroom Thursday to discuss the protective orders that resulted from domestic violence charges and allegations, according to the Salt Lake City Tribune. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 1 May 2026

Abugharbieh was arrested the morning of April 24 at a home in Lutz, Florida, after law enforcement responded to a domestic violence incident involving a family member, the sheriff’s office said. —Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 May 2026

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