Defendant

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛndənt/

Definitions of defendant

noun a person, company, or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law

Example Sentences

A1 The defendant pleaded not guilty in court.

A2 The defendant's lawyer argued for a lighter sentence.

B1 The defendant was found guilty of the crime and sentenced to prison.

B2 The defendant's alibi was proven false during the trial.

C1 The defendant's legal team presented a compelling case for innocence.

C2 The defendant's previous criminal record was brought up during the trial.

Examples of defendant in a Sentence

formal The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

informal The person on trial says they didn't do it.

slang The guy in court swears he's innocent.

figurative The accused is fighting tooth and nail to prove their innocence.

Grammatical Forms of defendant

• past tense: defended
• plural: defendants
• comparative: more defendant
• superlative: most defendant
• present tense: defends
• future tense: will defend
• perfect tense: have defended
• continuous tense: is defending
• singular: defendant
• positive degree: defendant
• infinitive: to defend
• gerund: defending
• participle: defended

Origin and Evolution of defendant

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Anglo-French and Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'defendant' originated from Middle English, specifically from the Anglo-French word 'defendant' and the Latin word 'defendere' which means 'to defend'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to refer to the party being accused or sued in a court of law, the word 'defendant' has retained its legal connotation but is now also commonly used in general contexts to refer to anyone who is being accused or blamed for something.