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
John CloudIn another disturbing trend, women are victims of domestic violence that spills into the workplace.—Sarah Henry
Sarah HenryExamples of domestic violence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In West Palm Beach, the Japanese omakase spot Konro got a star, but after its chef was arrested on domestic violence charges, it was stripped of its star and closed.
—Connie Ogle
may 22, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
An Independence judge also barred Driscoll from contacting his ex-wife, and ordered Driscoll to attend a domestic violence intervention program and refrain from making any online posts referencing her in any way.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Domestic abuse Panettiere opened up about her relationship with ex Brian Hickerson, who was sentenced to 45 days in prison for domestic violence in 2021.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 May 2026
This comes after Allison Lussier was found dead inside her North Loop apartment in 2024 after multiple domestic violence reports were filed.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for domestic violence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Connie Ogle
may 22, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
An Independence judge also barred Driscoll from contacting his ex-wife, and ordered Driscoll to attend a domestic violence intervention program and refrain from making any online posts referencing her in any way.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Domestic abuse Panettiere opened up about her relationship with ex Brian Hickerson, who was sentenced to 45 days in prison for domestic violence in 2021.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 May 2026
This comes after Allison Lussier was found dead inside her North Loop apartment in 2024 after multiple domestic violence reports were filed.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for domestic violence
Cite this Entry
“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
