defendants
word · lemma: defendant
Definition
People who are accused or sued in a court of law and must defend themselves against legal charges or claims.
Usage & Nuances
Legal term, used formally in court settings. 'Defendants' refers to one or more people; in civil cases, sometimes called 'respondents' or 'accused'. Distinct from 'plaintiff' (the person bringing the case). Not used outside legal or courtroom contexts.
Example Sentences
Both defendants said they were innocent.
basic
At the end of the trial, the jury found the defendants not guilty.
natural
The lawyer spoke with all the defendants before the hearing.
natural
Several defendants decided to change their plea after new evidence appeared.
natural
The defendants sat quietly in the courtroom.
basic
The judge asked the defendants to answer the question.
basic