defendant
2 synonyms and 3 antonyms for defendant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In a legal case, the person or party being sued or accused.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French defendant, the present participle of defendre, from Latin dēfendere.
Full origin of defendant →Frequently asked questions
What does “defendant” mean?
The word “defendant” means in a legal case, the person or party being sued or accused. In plain terms, the person being accused or sued in court, as opposed to the plaintiff or prosecution.
How do you pronounce “defendant”?
“Defendant” is pronounced dih-FEHND-uhnt (/dɪˈfɛnd.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “defendant” in a sentence?
Here is “defendant” used in a sentence: “The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.”
What is the opposite of “defendant”?
The opposite of “defendant” — its antonyms — are plaintiff, claimant and prosecutor.
What part of speech is “defendant”?
“Defendant” is a noun.
Where does the word “defendant” come from?
The word “defendant” comes from Latin. From Old French defendant, the present participle of defendre, from Latin dēfendere.
Is “defendant” a common word?
“Defendant” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a defendant and a plaintiff?
The plaintiff, known as the claimant in England and Wales, is the person or party who brings a civil case. The defendant is the person or party being sued, who must answer the claim in court.
Is defendant used in criminal cases as well as civil ones?
Yes. In civil cases the defendant is the party being sued, while in criminal cases the defendant is the person accused of the crime, who may also be called the accused. In criminal proceedings the case is brought by the prosecution rather than a plaintiff.
What is the difference between a defendant and a respondent?
A defendant answers a lawsuit or a criminal charge at trial. A respondent answers a petition or an appeal, so the term appears in divorce, family, and appellate proceedings; in some United States appeals the answering party is instead called the appellee.
Can a defendant be a company rather than a person?
Yes. A defendant can be any party capable of being sued or charged, including companies, organizations, and government bodies. Court documents then name the entity itself as the defendant.