noun · neutral
defendant
UK/dɪˈfendənt/US/dɪˈfɛndənt/de·FEN·dant
a person or organization accused in a court of law
Examples
“The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.”
“As a defendant, she has the right to legal representation.”
“Witnesses testified against the defendant.”
Band 8 sentence
“Although the defendant maintained their innocence, the accumulation of forensic evidence swayed the jury toward conviction.”
Collocations
- plead guilty/not guilty
- the defendant pleaded
- testify against the defendant
Word family
Common mistakes
Using 'suspect' and 'defendant' interchangeably→suspect = người tình nghi; defendant = bị cáo (đã ra tòa hoặc bị buộc tội chính thức)
Saying 'the defendant was punished' when the trial hasn't ended→Do not assume punishment until conviction and sentencing
Say it for a higher band
5suspect→6accused→7+defendant
Synonyms
accused
Easily confused
suspect
“The police arrested a suspect but he was not yet a defendant until charged.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Crime & Law
Learn it with its set