Sue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sue

[suː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

A formal written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.

Synonyms

claim, lawsuit, legal action.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sue	Used when an individual or organization formally files a legal complaint against another party, typically for compensation for wrongs incurred. She decided to sue the company for damages after the accident. They threatened to sue if their demands were not met.
legal action	A general term for the process of using the legal system to settle disputes, enforce rights, or punish offenders; can encompass lawsuits, but also other legal proceedings. They are taking legal action to stop the construction of the new highway. Legal action might be required to resolve this issue.
lawsuit	Refers to a legal case brought before a court by one party against another. It's a more formal and broad term encompassing any legal dispute. The lawsuit between the two companies lasted for years. She filed a lawsuit against the hospital for medical negligence.
claim	Usually refers to a formal request for something believed to be deserved, such as compensation or rights; can be used outside legal context. He filed a claim for insurance after the flood damaged his house. She made a claim to the property after her grandmother passed away.

Examples of usage

She filed a sue against the company for wrongful termination.
The sue alleges breach of contract.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal

To institute legal proceedings against someone in respect of a civil or criminal matter.

Synonyms

bring legal action against, take legal action, take to court.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sue	Commonly used in everyday language when someone decides to start a legal process against another person or organization, generally aiming for financial compensation or justice. She decided to sue the company for discrimination. If the product causes harm, you can sue the manufacturer.
take to court	Informal and straightforward, suggesting the act of taking someone to court for resolving a dispute. Often used in conversations. He was so upset; he threatened to take his neighbor to court over the property line. She decided to take the landlord to court for not returning her deposit.
bring legal action against	Used more formally and mainly in legal or business settings. It implies initiating a legal process against someone. The employee brought legal action against their employer for wrongful termination. The environmental group plans to bring legal action against the factory for pollution.
take legal action	A general phrase used to indicate the start of any legal proceedings. It is versatile and can apply to various legal contexts. The company decided to take legal action to protect its intellectual property. After the accident, the family considered taking legal action against the driver.

Examples of usage

He decided to sue the landlord for negligence.
The company was sued for copyright infringement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law & Justice

In the U.S., individuals can 'sue' for various reasons, including breach of contract, personal injury, and defamation.
There are specific statutes of limitations that dictate how long one can wait to sue after an incident occurs.
Small claims courts allow individuals to sue for relatively minor disputes without needing a lawyer, making the process more accessible.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'you can sue me for that!' is often used in movies as a humorous way to address outrageous behavior.
Several high-profile lawsuits in Hollywood, like those involving celebrities and their contracts, have made headlines and influenced public opinion about legal actions.
In pop songs, themes of betrayal often involve references to suing as a metaphor for feeling wronged or hurt.

Psychology

Research suggests that the act of suing can be motivated by a desire for revenge or seeking closure after a negative experience.
Some studies indicate that people who sue often feel empowered, while others may feel stressed due to the uncertainties involved in legal battles.
The emotional toll of lawsuits can lead individuals to weigh the potential financial gains against the psychological distress caused by prolonged legal disputes.

International Perspectives

In some countries, the legal systems vary significantly regarding how easy or difficult it is to sue someone, reflecting cultural attitudes toward conflict resolution.
In Japan, public lawsuits are relatively rare, and alternative dispute resolution methods are often preferred over formal litigation.
In many civil law countries, the approach to suing often involves detailed legal codes that guide the process, contrasting with common law systems like that of the U.S.

Origin of 'sue'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'sugere,' meaning 'to follow,' reflecting the idea of following a legal process.
In Middle English, 'sue' meant to 'seek' or 'to follow,' which demonstrates its historical connection to pursuing justice.
The term evolved over centuries, becoming more specifically tied to legal actions by the late Middle Ages.

The word 'sue' originated from Middle English 'suen', from Old French 'suir', from Latin 'sequi' meaning 'to follow'. The legal sense of 'sue' in the context of initiating legal proceedings dates back to the 14th century.