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.
In 2023, he was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History The man fatally shot by a CPD officer yesterday during a domestic violence incident in Pullman has been identified by authorities. Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 Police believe the stabbing was a domestic violence incident between two people who knew each other. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025 Three years prior, in March 2022, Munoz was investigated over a different domestic violence case. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Domestic violence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domestic%20violence. Accessed 27 Mar. 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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