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Defendant definition

dĭ-fĕndənt, -dănt
defendants
See word origin
Frequency:
Defending.
adjective
4
1
The definition of a defendant is a person being sued or accused of a crime.

An example of a defendant is someone accused of driving under the influence.

noun
2
0
The party against which an action is brought.
noun
2
1
In a criminal trial, the accused; in a civil proceeding, the person or entity against whom a claim is made.
noun
1
0
(law) In civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint; one who is sued and called upon to make satisfaction for a wrong complained of by another.
noun
1
0
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noun
1
0
(law) The defending party; person sued or accused.
noun
2
2
Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
adjective
1
1

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
defendant
Plural:
defendants

Origin of defendant

Defendant Sentence Examples

  • When a divorce is granted, the defendant is not permitted to marry other than the plaintiff for three years, unless the plaintiff dies.

  • When a defendant was of rank superior to that of the plaintiff, distress had to be preceded by troscad (=fasting).

  • A defendant who is served with a claim form must file an acknowledgment of service.

More sentences

Related articles

Words near defendant in the Dictionary