sue

[ soo ]

/ su /

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See synonyms for sue on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), sued, su·ing.

to institute a process in law against; bring a civil action against: to sue someone for damages.

to woo or court.

Obsolete. to make petition or appeal to.

verb (used without object), sued, su·ing.

to institute legal proceedings, or bring suit: She threatened to sue.

to make petition or appeal: to sue for peace.

to court a woman.

Verb Phrases

sue out, to make application for or apply for and obtain (a writ or the like) from a court of law.

OTHER WORDS FOR sue

5 beg, petition, plead, pray.

See synonyms for sue on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of sue

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English suen, siwen, from Old French sivre, from unattested Vulgar Latin sequere “to follow,” for Latin sequī

OTHER WORDS FROM sue

su·er, nounun·sued, adjective

Words nearby sue

sudoriparous, Sudra, suds, sudser, sudsy, sue, suede, suent, Suess, suet, Suetonius

Other definitions for sue (2 of 2)

Sue

[ soo; French sy ]

/ su; French sü /

noun

Eu·gène

[œ-zhen], /œˈʒɛn/, Marie Joseph Sue, 1804–57, French novelist.

a female given name, form of Susan, Susanna, Susannah.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sue in a sentence

She sued the HFPA in 2020, claiming that it embodied a “culture of corruption.”
The case against caring about the Golden Globes|Alissa Wilkinson|February 26, 2021|Vox
Each was immediately sued by CGA, and the Los Angeles measure will also likely be challenged in court.
As Cities Mandate Hazard Pay for Grocery Workers, Groceries Sue|Brendan Seibel|February 26, 2021|Eater
None of the recommendations included suing the bureau to release data earlier than it had planned.
Ohio sues Census Bureau over new redistricting deadline|Tara Bahrampour|February 25, 2021|Washington Post
He was one of Harvey Weinstein’s fiercest opponents and sued Weinstein’s company to get restitution for survivors.
What It's Like to Accuse a #MeToo Hero of Abuse|Eliana Dockterman|February 24, 2021|Time

Tech companies are, of course, suing to block the law from taking effect saying it violates the Internet Tax Freedom Act.
Facebook unfriends Australia and Maryland passes ad tax; Monday’s daily brief|Carolyn Lyden|February 22, 2021|Search Engine Land
The NRA wants the ability to sue local officials for passing laws that protect public safety.
The NRA’s Twisted List for Santa|John Feinblatt|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The families of suicide victims often sue and can win large settlements.
A Million Ways to Die in Prison|Daniel Genis|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Enter Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which threatened to sue.
In Florida, ’Tis The Season for Satan|Jay Michaelson|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Which was issued as the B-Side to Peggy Sue Got Married in 1959.
Greil Marcus Talks About Trying to Unlock Rock and Roll in 10 Songs|Allen Barra|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Sue (Or In a Season of Crime)” brings the rock chameleon into jazz territory, backed up by a horn-heavy jazz big band.
David Bowie Goes Big Band in New Music Video|Alex Chancey, The Daily Beast Video|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He gave his mother several groups in stone for the dining-room; they are all funny, Sue says.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
In many states statutes exist defining their right to sue and be sued, and their liability to creditors.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Sue Greyson is to accompany my mother; I shall be much away, and I do not like to leave her with strangers.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
He can do another thing, accept the stock and sue for the damage he has sustained by the deceit that has been practiced on him.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
I know that you will say I regret exceedingly, Miss Sue, that you have misinterpreted my friendly attentions.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater

British Dictionary definitions for sue (1 of 2)

sue

/ (sjuː, suː) /

verb sues, suing or sued

to institute legal proceedings (against)

to make suppliant requests of (someone for something)

archaic to pay court (to)

Derived forms of sue

suer, noun

Word Origin for sue

C13: via Anglo-Norman from Old French sivre, from Latin sequī to follow

British Dictionary definitions for sue (2 of 2)

Sue

/ (French sy) /