noun
- a person accused of a crime in a criminal case or being sued in a civil case
Usage: legal
Examples
- The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- The jury found the defendant guilty of theft.
- The defendant’s lawyer argued for a reduced sentence.
- In the civil case, the defendant was ordered to pay damages.
- The defendant has the right to remain silent during questioning.
- The prosecutor presented evidence against the defendant.
- The defendant testified in her own defense.