file a lawsuit

NOUN

[/faɪl ə ˈlɔːsuːt/]

to formally submit a legal complaint to a court seeking compensation or other legal remedy

💡 Concept

After the company ignored her injury, she decided to file a lawsuit against them.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start Free Demo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/faɪl ə ˈlɔːsuːt/

🇬🇧 UK/faɪl ə ˈlɔːsuːt/

🌳Etymology

Rootfile

Origin

File derives from Latin filum (thread), originally referring to threading documents together for organization and storage, later evolving to mean submitting or registering documents officially. Lawsuit combines Old French lei (law) and suit (to follow or pursue), referring to the legal action of pursuing a case through the courts.

Breakdown

file (from Latin filum, thread, by extension: to submit/register) + law (from Old English lagu, legal code) + suit (from Old French suir, to follow/pursue), forming lawsuit: the act of pursuing a legal case through formal court procedures.

🎵Rhyme

trialdenialsmile

trial

denial

smile

🔗Collocations

file a civil lawsuit

file a lawsuit against

file a class action lawsuit

file a wrongful termination lawsuit

file a malpractice lawsuit

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“After eating the world's spiciest ramen, Karen decided to file a lawsuit against her taste buds for emotional distress.”

“The patient's family plans to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice next week.”

😄 Fun example

“My neighbor threatened to file a lawsuit because my cat keeps stealing his newspapers - apparently Mr. Whiskers is a repeat offender.”

“The startup had to file a lawsuit to protect their intellectual property rights.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

bring legal actioninitiate litigationsuetake to courtpress charges

Antonyms

settle out of courtdrop chargesdismiss case

litigationplaintiffdefendantcourtlegal actionattorney

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Start for Free 60s Demo

file a lawsuit — to formally submit a legal complaint to a court seeking compensation or other legal remedy

Example Sentences