Lawsuit

Definition

A legal action brought in a court of law by one party against another, especially a case to be decided by a judge or jury.

Parts of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɔːˌsuːt/
Respelling: LAW-soot (with "LAW" as in "saw" and "soot" as in "boot")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɔːˌsuːt/
Respelling: LAW-soot (with "LAW" as in "saw" and "soot" as in "boot")

In both dialects, "lawsuit" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LAW." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LAW-soot."

Etymology

The term "lawsuit" is a combination of two words: "law" and "suit." "Law" stems from the Old English word "lagu" referring to legislation or a set of rules. The word "suit" comes from the Latin word "sequi," which means "to follow." Historically, a "suit" in this context meant the process of pursuing a legal action. Therefore, a "lawsuit" is essentially the act of following the law or seeking justice through legal means.

Derivatives

Litigation
Litigant
Litigate
Lawsuit-free
Pre-lawsuit

Synonyms

Litigation
Action
Case

Antonyms

Agreement
Settlement
Accord

Usage

Lawsuits are commonly used in civil law to resolve disputes between individuals, organizations, or between individuals and organizations. They can involve a wide range of issues, including personal injury, breach of contract, and property disputes.

Related Terms

Litigation: The process of taking legal action.
Plaintiff: The person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
Defendant: An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

Detailed Definition

Noun

Lawsuit (Noun): A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.
- Example: "The company faced a lawsuit over allegations of environmental damage."

Lawsuit (Noun): The act of suing someone in a court of law.
- Example: "She filed a lawsuit against her employer for wrongful termination."