Defendant Definition, Pronunciation & Legal Role

Meaning 1：person accused in court (defendant)

defendant 🔊

/dɪˈfɛndənt/

In a court case, the person or group being accused of doing something wrong by the person bringing the case (the plaintiff).

Defendant standing in courtroom box with lawyer and judge

person accused in court 🔊

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/ˈpɜːrsən əˈkjuːzd ɪn kɔːrt/

In a legal case, the individual or group against whom a lawsuit or criminal charges are brought; the one required to answer the plaintiff's or prosecutor's claims.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'defendere' (to defend) + '-ant' (one who). Literally 'one who defends.'

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'de-FEND-ant' — the person who must fend off the charges in court.

📖 Example

During the trial, the defendant calmly answered all the questions from the lawyer, insisting he was not at the scene that night. 🔊 During the trial, the defendant calmly answered all the questions from the lawyer, insisting he was not at the scene that night.

🔗 Collocations

the defendant's statement – The formal declaration made by the accused person in court

defendant's lawyer – The attorney representing the accused party

defendant's rights – Legal protections guaranteed to the accused person

🔄 Synonyms

accused (n.) – A person charged with a crime or wrongdoing, often used interchangeably with defendant in criminal cases

respondent (n.) – The party against whom a petition, appeal, or lawsuit is brought, especially in civil cases

litigant (n.) – A person involved in a lawsuit, either as plaintiff or defendant

🚫 Antonyms

plaintiff (n.) – The person who brings a case against another in a court of law

prosecutor (n.) – The legal representative who brings charges against a defendant in a criminal trial

accuser (n.) – A person who claims that someone has done something illegal or wrong

🌱 Derivatives

defend (v.) – To protect someone or something from attack or criticism

defense (n.) – The act of protecting; also the argument or case presented by the defendant in court

defensive (adj.) – Used or intended to protect; overly protective of oneself from criticism

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'defendere' ('to ward off'). In medieval English law, the term referred to the person required to defend against an accusation. Its modern legal use solidified in the 15th century.