defendant

Definitions

An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

The party against whom a claim or charge is brought in a legal proceeding.

Examples

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him in court.

The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching a verdict regarding the defendant.

Synonyms

accused prisoner litigant respondent culprit suspect

Antonyms

plaintiff prosecutor accuser complainant petitioner claimant