defendant

[ dih-fen-duhnt -dant ]

noun

1. Law. a person, company, etc., against whom a claim or charge is brought in a court ( plaintiff ).
2. Obsolete. defender.

adjective

1. making one's defense; defending:

   a defendant corporation.

2. Obsolete. defensive.

defendant

/ dɪˈfɛndənt /

noun

1. a person against whom an action or claim is brought in a court of law Compare plaintiff

adjective

1. making a defence; defending

defendant

1. The party that is being sued in court. ( Compare plaintiff .)

Other Words From

• nonde·fendant noun
• unde·fendant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defendant¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English defendaunt, from Anglo-French ( Middle French, Old French defendant ). See defend, -ant

Example Sentences

For a conviction on a charge of manslaughter, the jury must be sure that the defendants intended to cause “some physical harm”, he added.

From BBC

“The people deeply respect the office of the president, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that defendant’s inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions,” Bragg wrote.

From Salon

She was questioned by defence lawyers after the last defendant in the case, Philippe L, left the dock.

From BBC

Tolliver and the three youngest defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been driven to and from Knowle West by Snook.

From BBC

According to the plea agreement, Flores represented to Moore and others that Sawusch approved his use of the funds “because the victim had purportedly become an ‘investor’ in all of defendant Flores’ ventures.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• litigant
• offender
• prisoner
• suspect