Plaintiffs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚖️
plaintiffs
[ˈpleɪntɪfs ]
Definition
legal term
Plaintiffs are individuals or entities who bring a case against another party in a court of law. They are the ones initiating legal action seeking a remedy for a perceived wrong or harm done to them.
Synonyms
accuser, claimant, petitioner.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
plaintiffs |
Used in legal contexts to describe individuals or parties who bring a case against another in civil court.
|
claimant |
Frequently used in legal and administrative contexts to describe someone making a claim for something, such as insurance, benefits, or property.
|
petitioner |
Primarily used in legal contexts to refer to someone who presents a petition to a court or other official body, often in matters like divorce or appeals.
|
accuser |
Generally used to describe someone who claims that another person has committed a crime or wrongdoing, often in a non-legal context.
|
Examples of usage
- The plaintiffs in this case allege that the defendant breached the contract.
- The plaintiffs are seeking damages for emotional distress.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'plaintiffs'
The term 'plaintiff' originated from Middle English 'pleintif', from Anglo-French 'pleintif', from 'pleindre' meaning 'to complain'. The concept of plaintiffs dates back to ancient legal systems where individuals sought justice for grievances through legal proceedings.