Defendant Meaning and Definition
Defendant
Pronunciation
/dɪˈfɛnd.ənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or entity being tried or defended against a charge or accusation in a court of law, often designated as the party against whom the action is brought.
Examples
- The defendant in the trial was found guilty.
- The lawyer argued that the defendant was innocent.
Synonyms
- Accused
- Plaintiff
Antonyms
- Prosecutor
- Complainant
Etymology
The word “defendant” is derived from the Latin “defendere”, meaning “to defend”, and the suffix “-ant”, which forms the agent noun indicating the person performing the action.
Usage Notes
The term “defendant” typically refers to a person or entity that is being defended against a charge or accusation, but it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who is being defended or protected.
Cultural References
The concept of a defendant has been featured in numerous films, literature, and television shows, often as a central character or plot point.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“In a defensive position” or “On the defensive” can refer to a defendant’s response to an accusation or charge.
Related Words or Phrases
Terms closely related to “defendant” include “plaintiff”, “petitioner”, “accused”, and “respondent”.
Collocations
“Defendant” is often collocated with words such as “lawyer”, “judge”, “court”, and “charge”.
Frequency of Use
“Defendant” is a commonly used term in legal contexts, particularly in trials and courtroom procedures.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of “defendant” include “defandent”, “defendnt”, and “defendent”.