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
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.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Nikolas Hart, 25, with six counts, including felony animal cruelty and misdemeanors related to allegations of domestic violence, witness tampering and disobeying a court order. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 This story includes discussion of domestic violence. ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 Also on March 19, TMZ released video of Paul appearing to attack Mortensen in a domestic violence incident in which Paul was charged in 2023. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026 The parents of murder victim Gabby Petito are hoping to raise awareness about domestic violence by speaking in Boise this month. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for domestic violence

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domestic violence was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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