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civil action

American

[siv-uhl ak-shuhn] / ˈsɪv əl ˈæk ʃən /

noun

Law.

a noncriminal lawsuit regarding an alleged violation of someone’s rights.

When he started his own business and solicited his former employer’s clients, the employer filed a civil action against him.
Some states require litigants in civil actions to go through alternative dispute resolution first.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Petitioners could take civil action against those who fail to comply and statutory damages would be set at $3,000 for each day the content remained online.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

When you have removed your aunt’s attorney through court proceedings, you can pursue a civil action.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Under the bill, a union representative alleging a violation can bring a civil action to “obtain damages.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Speaking outside court on Thursday, Ms Hand said she was grateful for the support she has received throughout the civil action.

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2025

Law enforcement officers generally have no personal resources to pay damages to victims of misconduct, so the city, county, or agency that employs them is typically the target of any civil action that seeks compensation.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023