
DEFENDANT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of DEFENDANT is a person or group against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : someone who is being sued or accused of committing a crime. How to use defendant …
Defendant - Wikipedia
In court proceedings, a defendant is a person or object who is the party either accused of committing a crime in criminal prosecution or against whom some type of civil relief is being …
DEFENDANT | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
The defendant is accused of a range of crimes, from theft to murder. The judge directed the defendant to remain silent. The defendant sat impassively in the dock while evidence was …
Defendant - definition of defendant by The Free Dictionary
Define defendant. defendant synonyms, defendant pronunciation, defendant translation, English dictionary definition of defendant. n. Law The party against which an action is brought. …
defendant | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
In certain types of actions, the defendant is called the respondent. However, the term respondent is usually used to designate the person responding to an appeal.
What Is a Defendant in Civil and Criminal Cases? - LegalClarity
Aug 8, 2025 · A defendant is the individual or entity against whom a legal case is brought. This party is called upon to respond to allegations or charges made by another party.
defendant Definition, Meaning & Usage | Justia Legal Dictionary
defendant - An individual or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed, sometimes referred to as a respondent in certain cases like divorce
Defendant Definition - FindLaw Dictionary of Legal Terms
A defendant is a person or entity (like a company) that has been sued or accused of a crime. In some civil cases, especially family law cases, the defendant is called the respondent.
defendant noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage …
Definition of defendant noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Civil Cases - United States Courts
The Process To begin a civil lawsuit in federal court, the plaintiff files a complaint with the court and “serves” a copy of the complaint on the defendant. The complaint describes the plaintiff’s …