Definition

A person who is accused in a legal case along with one or more other people.

Example

The codefendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Conversation

Did you hear about the trial in town?

Yeah, I read that one of the guys has a codefendant.

That must make things more complicated for their lawyers.

Definitely, especially if they don't agree on their defense strategies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Codefendant → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "defendant" (from Latin "defendere", meaning to defend). The word refers to a person who is being defended in a legal case alongside another person, hence, a co-defendant.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('co-') with someone who is 'defending' themselves in court — that's why a codefendant is someone who is being defended alongside another.

Visually Confused Words