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Defendant vs Perpetrator - What's the difference?

defendant | perpetrator |

As nouns the difference between defendant and perpetrator

is that defendant is 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 while perpetrator is one who perpetrates; especially, one who commits an offence or crime.

As an adjective defendant

is serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.

defendant

Alternative forms

* defendaunt (obsolete)

Noun

(en 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.
  • (legal) In criminal proceedings, the accused.
  • Antonyms

    * (in civil proceedings) plaintiff * (in criminal proceedings) prosecutor

    Hypernyms

    * litigant

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
  • * Shakespeare
  • With men of courage and with means defendant .
    ----

    perpetrator

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • One who perpetrates; especially, one who commits an offence or crime.
  • Synonyms

    * arrestee, prisoner * (slang) perp, collar * See also