Defendant

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪˈfÉ›ndÉ™nt/

Alternative forms

• defendaunt obsolete

Origin

From Anglo-Norman

Full definition of defendant

Noun

1. (legal) 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.
2. (legal) In criminal proceedings, the accused.

Antonyms

• (in civil proceedings) plaintiff
• (in criminal proceedings) prosecutor

Hypernyms

• litigant

Related terms

• respondent

Adjective

1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
• ShakespeareWith men of courage and with means defendant.----