The meaning of DEFENDANT is a person or group against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : someone who is being sued or accused of committing a crime. How to use defendant in a sentence.

In court proceedings, a defendant is a person or object who is the party either accused of committing a crime in criminal prosecution or against whom some type of civil relief is being sought in a civil case.

The defendant is accused of a range of crimes, from theft to murder. The judge directed the defendant to remain silent. The defendant sat impassively in the dock while evidence was given against him. A …

DEFENDANT definition: a person, company, etc., against whom a claim or charge is brought in a court (plaintiff ). See examples of defendant used in a sentence.

In certain types of actions, the defendant is called the respondent. However, the term respondent is usually used to designate the person responding to an appeal.

Nov 10, 2025 · Learn what is a defendant in court, your legal rights, and the essential steps to take in both civil and criminal proceedings...

Define defendant. defendant synonyms, defendant pronunciation, defendant translation, English dictionary definition of defendant. n. Law The party against which an action is brought. American …