district attorney

noun

1. an officer who acts as attorney for the people or government within a specified district.

district attorney

noun

1. (in the US) the state prosecuting officer in a specified judicial district

district attorney

1. An official responsible for representing the government in court cases and for prosecuting criminals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of district attorney¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Harris has a home in Brentwood and enjoyed a successful career in California politics for nearly two decades as she rose from San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general and then to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Hochman’s victory was met with cheers throughout the law enforcement community, including the hundreds of deputy district attorneys who spent most of Gascón’s term at war with their boss.

From Los Angeles Times

While the approval of Proposition 36 and the loss of two reform-minded district attorneys are setbacks, a broader outlook suggests public opinion still favors a more even-handed approach to criminal justice and opportunities for rehabilitation.

From Los Angeles Times

If convicted, he could face decades in prison, according to Jay Boyarsky, Santa Clara County chief assistant district attorney.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Bay Area, voters appear to have recalled another reform-minded district attorney.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prosecutor