Sue Definition: Take Legal Action in Court

Meaning 1：take legal action (sue)

sue 🔊

/suː/

To take legal action against someone in court to get money or solve a problem.

Person suing in court with legal documents

take legal action 🔊

➕

/teɪk ˈliːɡəl ˈækʃən/

To start a legal process in court against a person or organization, usually to obtain compensation or enforce a right.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'sequi' (to follow), via Old French 'suivre', legal sense 'follow up a claim'.

💡 Mnemonic

Sue sounds like 'sue' in 'lawsuit'. Picture yourself suing someone with a giant 'SUE' stamp on a court document.

📖 Example

The customer decided to sue the company because the new phone exploded. 🔊 The customer decided to sue the company because the new phone exploded.

🔗 Collocations

sue for damages – to take legal action to get money for harm suffered

sue someone over something – to start a lawsuit against someone about a specific issue

threaten to sue – to warn someone that you will take legal action if they do not comply

🔄 Synonyms

litigate (v.) – To take a dispute to a court of law

prosecute (v.) – To institute legal proceedings against someone, usually in criminal law

bring a lawsuit (phrase) – To formally start a case in court against someone

🚫 Antonyms

settle (v.) – To resolve a dispute without going to court

drop charges (phrase) – To withdraw a legal complaint or lawsuit

forgive (v.) – To stop feeling anger or resentment and decide not to seek legal punishment

🌱 Derivatives

suer (n.) – A person who sues someone

suit (n.) – A lawsuit or legal claim

sueable (adj.) – Capable of being sued

📖 Cultural Story

Sue entered English law in the 13th century from Latin 'sequi' (follow), meaning to pursue a legal claim. It reflects the idea of tracking a grievance through court.