The difference between Defendant and Plaintiff

When used as nouns, defendant means in civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint, whereas plaintiff means a party bringing a suit in civil law against a defendant.


Defendant is also adjective with the meaning: serving, or suitable, for defense.

check bellow for the other definitions of Defendant and Plaintiff

  1. Defendant as a noun (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.

  2. Defendant as a noun (legal):

    In criminal proceedings, the accused.

  1. Defendant as an adjective:

    Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.

  1. Plaintiff as a noun (legal):

    A party bringing a suit in civil law against a defendant; accusers.