Meaning

(transitive) To file a legal action against someone, generally a non-criminal (civil) action..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To file a legal action against someone, generally a non-criminal (civil) action.
2. (ambitransitive) To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
3. (transitive, falconry, of a hawk) To clean (the beak, etc.).
4. (transitive, nautical) To leave high and dry on shore.
5. (obsolete, transitive) To court.
6. (obsolete, transitive) To follow.

Example Sentences

sue someone for selling a faulty product

I plan to sue you for everything you have.

He was sued by the late Geo. Walpole Leake for slander, and after two trials, occupying eight days, he was mulcted in heavy damages and costs.

The king of Bimsa sued for peace after Nynal's armies overran his territory; he knew any further resistance would only harm the common people.

to sue a ship

And the olde knyght seyde unto the yonge knyght, ‘Sir, swith me.’

though oft looking backward, well she vewd, / Her selfe freed from that foster insolent, / And that it was a knight, which now her sewd, / Yet she no lesse the knight feard, then that villein rude.

Word Forms

• sues
• suing
• sued

Synonyms for sue

Related Words

When Should You Use Sue?

Use sue when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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