defendant (B1)

noun

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfendənt/

Definition

A person or institution against whom a civil lawsuit or criminal charge is brought.

Examples

• The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

• The jury found the defendant liable for damages.

• The lawyer argued that the evidence did not prove the defendant's guilt.

How to Use defendant

defendant in (prepositional phrase)

Used to specify the legal case or context the defendant is involved in. — "He was the defendant in a high-profile fraud case."

defendant pleads (collocation)

Describes how the defendant responds to the charges against them. — "The defendant pleads innocent."

Synonyms of defendant

Words with a similar meaning to defendant:

• accused
• suspect
• respondent
• litigant

Antonyms of defendant

Words with the opposite meaning to defendant:

• plaintiff
• prosecution

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