noun

defendant

/dɪˈfendənt/ · say it: dih·FEN·duhnt

the person accused or sued in a court case

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) a person or organization accused of a crime in a court of law

2. (noun) a person being sued in a civil case

Examples

1. The defendant was found guilty of theft.
2. The defendant in the lawsuit was ordered to pay damages.

How to use defendant

Defendant is the formal legal term for the person or organization against whom criminal charges or civil claims are brought in court. It contrasts with plaintiff (in civil cases) and prosecutor or complainant (in criminal cases). The term is neutral and objective, used in legal documents and courtroom contexts.

Common phrases

criminal defendant
civil defendant
the defendant pleaded guilty
defense counsel for the defendant
the defendant was acquitted

Synonyms

accused · respondent · party · litigant

Opposites

plaintiff · prosecutor · complainant

Word family

defend · defense · defendant's (possessive)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse defendant with plaintiff; remember that the defendant is accused or sued, while the plaintiff brings the case.

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