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
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 site has made national news on some of its stories, including the revelation that a man whose life sentence commuted by Trump in his first term was subsequently convicted of domestic violence. David Folkenflik, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025 Investigators said preliminary evidence indicates the killing was related to domestic violence. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Rejecting higher earners seeking shelter Healey's letter suggested a waiver to the residency and identity requirement for victims of domestic violence, fires and floods. Steph Solis, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 Allegations of domestic violence and a custody battle involving their son Leo, 1¾, followed. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near domestic violence

Cite this Entry

“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on domestic violence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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