Terrence Howard's estranged wife got a restraining order against the actor this morning — claiming Howard constantly beats her and threatens to kill her. But Terrence says it's all a LIE!<!–more–>

Michelle Howard filed court documents, claiming Terrence began beating her up just 7 days after they were married in January 2010. In the docs, Michelle claims Howard, "slugged me across my face and neck" and threatened to throw her off a balcony.

Michelle claims the violence continued throughout their marriage — with Terrence allegedly committing several violent acts, such as

— smacking her in the face and chipping her tooth with his wedding ring
— throwing her down to the ground in a parking lot
— telling her, "I'll hit a woman quicker than I'd hit a man"
— Saying, "If you tell anyone about my personal business, I will kill you and no one will ever know
— Screaming, "B*tch, walk home. That's my car, I pay for it."

Howard also filed legal papers, adamantly denying that he ever threatened Michelle — but claiming she has been threatening to "release private materials to 3rd parties for her own personal financial gain" unless he paid her money. The material in question includes a video of Howard singing naked in the shower.

This morning, an L.A. County Superior Court judge granted Michelle a temporary restraining order preventing Howard from going near her or contacting her until their next court hearing.

Michelle filed for divorce back in February.