defendant
/dɪˈfɛnd(ə)nt
/noun
An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law: the defendant tried to claim that it was self-defence...Compare with plaintiff.
- In fact the tenant was not treated less favourably than a defendant in the High Court.
- The plaintiffs alleged trespass and the defendants claimed that they had a profit of grazing.
- The claimant and all three defendants were represented at the hearing of the application.
Synonyms
accused, prisoner at the bar;
appellant, litigant, respondent;
suspect, suspected person
