Plaintiff

/ˈpleɪntɪf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

The plaintiff argued that the defendant breached the contract.

A person who sues another person or entity in a civil court.

As the plaintiff, she presented her evidence to the jury.

A party who initiates a lawsuit.

The court dismissed the case because the plaintiff failed to appear.

In legal terms, the individual or group who claims to have suffered a loss or injury due to the actions of the defendant.

The plaintiff sought damages for the emotional distress caused by the accident.

In a civil trial, the individual or group that files a complaint.

The plaintiff's attorney prepared a strong opening statement.

Middle English, from Anglo-French 'plaintif', meaning ‘complaining’.

plaintiff's case

The arguments presented by the plaintiff in a legal proceeding.

plaintiff and defendant

The two main parties in a legal case, the plaintiff being the one who brings the action.

defendant

The party against whom a lawsuit is filed.

litigation

The process of taking legal action.

lawsuit

A claim or dispute brought to a court of law.

Sue-happy

Some people are so sue-happy, they act like every little inconvenience makes them a plaintiff.

Lawsuit tourist

He's known as a lawsuit tourist, always trying to be the plaintiff in cases.