A complainant is a person who starts a court case in a court of law.
[law]
complainant in British English
(kəmˈpleɪnənt)
noun
law
a person who makes a complaint, usually before justices; plaintiff
complainant in American English
(kəmˈpleɪnənt)
noun
Law
a person who files a charge or makes the complaint in court; plaintiff
Word origin
ME compleinaunt < prp. of OFr complaindre: see complain
Examples of 'complainant' in a sentence
complainant
Real jurors become deeply involved in their case and care about both the complainant and the defendant.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The identity of the complainant in this case must not be reported.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It may be correct to say that complainants in general exhibit a wide variety of behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The defendant punched the complainant to the face, which felled him instantly.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
So many people's lives have been ripped apart beyond the defendant and the complainants.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The Met yesterday refused to talk about the complainant withdrawing her claims.
The Sun (2016)
By the time he was questioned by cops, the complainant had already withdrawn her allegations.
The Sun (2016)
Four cases lapsed because complainants fearing recriminations for the long-term viability of their businesses were unwilling to proceed against a retailer.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He told the court: 'He says the complainant began making comments he found offensive.
The Sun (2009)
Don't You say complainants have this option?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Another complainant says: 'I lost a lot of blood to the point where my life was in danger.