Magistrate Meaning and Definition
Magistrate
Pronunciation
/ˈmædʒɪsteɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A judge or official who administers the law in a particular locality, such as a town, city, or country, often selected through elections or appointed by a higher authority.
Examples
- The magistrate delivered the verdict in the criminal trial.
- The local magistrate’s court handled minor offenses and disputes.
Synonyms
- Judge
- Justice
Antonyms
- Defendant
- Plaintiff
Etymology
The word “magistrate” comes from the Old French “magistrat”, derived from the Latin “magistratus”, meaning “office of a magistrate”.
Usage Notes
Magistrates are often responsible for hearing and deciding cases, issuing warrants, and enforcing laws in their jurisdiction.
Cultural References
Magistrates have been portrayed in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, often as authoritative figures with a strong sense of justice.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To speak ex officio” is an idiomatic expression that means to speak as an official or magistrate, often used to convey authority and expertise.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “magistrate” include “judge”, “law”, “court”, and “justice”.
Collocations
Common collocations with “magistrate” include “court”, “judge”, “lawyer”, and “case”.
Frequency of Use
The word “magistrate” is relatively common in legal and judicial contexts, and is often used in formal writing and official statements.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “magistrate” include “magister”, “magistraz”, and “magistrade”.