defendant /dɪˈfɛnd.ənt/noun 2adjective 1forms 3 noun2 •a person who must answer in court for a crime they are said to have done •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. adjective1 •Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive, defending. formsdefendants · more defendant · most defendant