defendant - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
defendant Word Meanings
- a person accused in a court of law
- the party being sued or accused
- individual responding to charges
defendant Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
defendant Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈfɛndənt/
US
/dɪˈfɛndənt/
defendant Word Etymology
Defendant comes from the Latin 'defendere', meaning 'to defend, protect', from 'de-' (down, away) + 'fendere' (to strike). It followed the path Latin → Old French → English. Picture someone defending themselves in court, standing with confidence as a shield against accusations.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A defendant is the person accused in a court case, whether in criminal charges or civil lawsuits, and must present a defense. In criminal cases the defendant faces charges and may be entitled to a lawyer and to remain silent at key moments; in civil cases the defendant is the party being sued and must respond to the complaint. The term signals the opposite of the plaintiff or claimant. Learners often confuse defendant with accuser or witness, and sometimes assume the defendant is always guilty. In media and practice you’ll see phrases like 'the defendant pleaded not guilty' or 'the defendant was released on bail'.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: defendant is the party accused; not every accused person is guilty. Use with court, trial, or case contexts. Pair with plaintiff for civil contrasts. It is common in headlines. Do not confuse with witness or suspect. In formal writing use 'the defendant' or 'the defendant's' judgment.
Common Misconceptions
- The defendant is always guilty.
- The defendant must defend someone else, not themselves.
- Defendant and suspect are the same person.
- Defendant is the person who starts the lawsuit.
- Defendant and plaintiff refer to the same role in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
In English, the defendant is a formal label for the accused role in court, distinct from the plaintiff; learners often map it to 'criminal' guilt or confuse it with 'suspect'.
Learning Tips
- Pair with plaintiff to understand the civil-criminal contrast
- Note collocations: defendant in court, defendant pleads, defendant's rights
- Practice with headlines and case summaries
- Distinguish from suspect, accused, and witness
- Use model sentences to reinforce formality
- Check gender forms in languages with feminine/masculine articles
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'defendant'?
A.Judge in a court case
B.Person being accused in court
C.Witness in a court case
D.Police officer
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'defendant' correctly?
A.The teacher was the defendant during the trial.
B.The defendant presented evidence in court.
C.The defendant ran away from the crime scene.
D.The defendant arrested the suspect.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'defendant'?
A.Prosecutor
B.Victim
C.Criminal
D.Plaintiff
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'defendant'?
A.Prosecutor
B.Lawyer
C.Judge
D.Juror
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a defendant?
A.At a cooking class
B.At a hospital
C.At a courtroom trial
D.At a library
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