-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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
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.
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about domestic violence
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share