defendant

American  

[dih-fen-duhnt, -dant] / dɪˈfɛn dənt, -dænt /

noun

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

2. Obsolete. defender.

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adjective

1. making one's defense; defending.

   a defendant corporation.

2. Obsolete. defensive.

defendant British  

/ dɪˈfɛndənt /

noun

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

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adjective

1. making a defence; defending

defendant Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• nondefendant noun
• undefendant adjective

Etymology

Origin of defendant

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

Example Sentences

“Aren’t defendants simply circumventing my order, which relies on the conditions in Portland?”

From Los Angeles Times

One of these altered what defendants could qualify for mental health diversions.

From Los Angeles Times

The defendant refused to appear at the hearing via video link.

From BBC

The bribery scheme in Italy alleged to involve Kulibayev is part of that legal case, although the oligarch is not among the defendants.

From BBC

To qualify for a publicly funded attorney, defendants must show they lack the means to fund their legal case.

From BBC

Related Words

• litigant
• offender
• prisoner
• suspect