Defendent vs. Defendant: The Correct Spellings

The correct spelling of the term is "defendant," not "defendent." The word "defendant" comes from the Old French "defendant," derived from the Latin "defendere," which means "to defend." The incorrect version, "defendent," might seem intuitive because the word involves defense, but it's not correct.

The word "defendant" doesn't have any significant other forms that you need to know for spelling; its essence is that of a noun.

A simple trick to remember how to spell "defendant" is to think of the word "ant" at the end. Visualize an "ant" defending itself in court. This can help you remember that the correct spelling ends in "-ant," not "-ent."

Incorrect: The judge asked the defendent to take the stand.

Correct: The judge asked the defendant to take the stand.

Incorrect: The defendent pleaded not guilty.

Correct: The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Incorrect: The defendent was represented by a public defender.

Correct: The defendant was represented by a public defender.

Incorrect: The defendent has the right to remain silent.

Correct: The defendant has the right to remain silent.

Incorrect: The case against the defendent was dismissed.

Correct: The case against the defendant was dismissed.

In civil law, the party against whom a lawsuit is brought.

In a debate or argument, the individual or group holding the position that is being challenged.

In games or competitions, the player or team defending a title or position.

In criminal law, the accused person standing trial.

The party against which an action is brought.

Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive, defending.

(legal) In civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint; one who is sued and called upon to make satisfaction for a wrong complained of by another.

(legal) In criminal proceedings, the accused.

Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.

Making defense.

One who defends; a defender.

A person required to make answer in an action or suit; - opposed to plaintiff.

a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused

A person, company, etc., against whom a claim or charge has been brought in court.

The defendant and the plaintiff reached an out-of-court settlement.

The jury found the defendant not guilty of all charges.

The defendant is awaiting trial in the county jail.

The court appointed an attorney for the indigent defendant.

The defendant was ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

The rights of the defendant are protected under the law.

The defendant appealed the court's decision.

The defendant was acquitted due to reasonable doubt.

The defendant claimed self-defense in response to the allegations.

The defendant faced multiple charges, including theft and fraud.

The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence against the defendant.

The defendant was granted immunity in exchange for testimony.

The defendant was remanded into custody until the next hearing.

The defendant entered a plea of no contest to the charges.

It is the responsibility of the plaintiff to prove their case against the defendant.

To reach a verdict or decision that is beneficial to the defendant.

Used to describe evidence or arguments that are unfavorable to the defendant.

To agree with or support the position or argument of the defendant.

To question the defendant in court by the opposing party, typically after the initial examination.

To release the defendant from the case, often due to insufficient evidence or legal grounds.

To punish the defendant for disobeying a court order or for disrespectful behavior in court.

The plural form is "defendants."

The correct spelling is "defendant," not "defendent."

"Defendant" is primarily a noun. It describes a person or entity accused or sued in a court of law.

The word "defendant" has its roots in Old French, derived from the Latin word "defendere," meaning "to defend."

While "defendant" is most commonly used in legal contexts, it can also appear in debates, games, or competitions to describe the defending party.

Yes, synonyms for "defendant" in a legal sense could include "the accused," "respondent," or "suspect."

"Defendant" is a formal word, particularly used in legal contexts.

"Defendent" is incorrect because it deviates from the word's Old French and Latin origins. The correct spelling is "defendant," ending in "-ant."

A mnemonic to remember the correct spelling is to think of an "ant" defending itself in court, reminding you that the word ends in "-ant."

Yes, "defendant" can refer to the accused party in both civil and criminal legal proceedings.