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.
to institute legal proceedings (against)
to make suppliant requests of (someone for something)
archaic to pay court (to)
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English suen, siwen, from Old French sivre, from unattested Vulgar Latin sequere “to follow,” for Latin sequī
If you sue someone, you're accusing them (in court) of doing something wrong or illegal and demanding that they pay for it. Almost every time someone sues, they're looking for money. One of the last things you want to hear is "I'll sue you!" People sue for a lot of reasons. If you slipped on the ice, you could sue the sidewalk owner for not putting salt down. If you were in a car accident, you could sue the other driver. Years ago, someone sued McDonald's for scalding themselves on a cup of coffee they said was too hot. Sometimes it seems like people will find any reason to sue.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His most significant move is a rule to make it far harder for workers to sue.
From Salon • Jul. 9, 2026
It did not sue over related commercial surcharges.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
Ruth said her brothers are objecting and have threatened to sue Ruth over their potential inheritance and custody of the remains.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026
Lawmakers plainly intended to let inmates sue for damages when correctional officers infringe on their religious liberty.
From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026
“If I die on you, you can sue me, Mrs. Trotter. You can take me for every cent I have.”
From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
