suing
Suing (verb) means taking legal action against someone, usually to claim money or force them to do (or stop doing) something. Example: “The homeowners are suing the contractor over the unfinished roof.”
How to use suing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGoing to court to make a legal claim against someone.
Don't confuse with "suit" as clothing — same root word historically, but completely different meaning today.
Word forms
suings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The homeowners are _____ the contractor over the unfinished roof.
Etymology
From Old French suir/sivre, "to follow, pursue," the same root that gives us "pursue" and "ensue" — originally just meant chasing after someone, legally or otherwise.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for suing
See all rhymes for suing →Frequently asked questions
What does “suing” mean?
The word “suing” means taking legal action against someone, usually to claim money or force them to do (or stop doing) something. In plain terms, going to court to make a legal claim against someone.
How do you use “suing” in a sentence?
Here is “suing” used in a sentence: “The homeowners are suing the contractor over the unfinished roof.”
What part of speech is “suing”?
“Suing” is a verb.
Where does the word “suing” come from?
The word “suing” comes from Old French. From Old French suir/sivre, "to follow, pursue," the same root that gives us "pursue" and "ensue" — originally just meant chasing after someone, legally or otherwise.
Is “suing” a common word?
“Suing” is an uncommon word in modern English.