nonsuit
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈnɒnˌsuːt//
KK: /ˈnɒnˌsuːt/
noun
Definition
A legal decision that dismisses a case because the plaintiff did not provide enough evidence or did not continue with the case.
Example
The court issued a nonsuit because the plaintiff failed to present any witnesses.
Conversation
Did you hear about the case that ended in a nonsuit?
Yeah, that was surprising; I thought they had a solid argument.
It seems like the plaintiff just couldn't provide enough evidence in time.
That's true, it really shows how crucial preparation is in court.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dismissal
rejection
abandonment
Antonyms
acceptance
approval
continuation
transitive verb
Definition
To dismiss a case in court, usually because the plaintiff has not provided enough evidence to support their claim.
Example
The judge decided to nonsuit the case due to lack of evidence.
Tense Forms
Past: nonsuited
Past Participle: nonsuited
Conversation
Did you hear about the case they had to nonsuit?
No, what happened?
The judge decided there wasn't enough evidence to proceed.
Root Explanation
Nonsuit → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "suit" (from Old French *suit*, meaning to follow or pursue). The term refers to a situation where a plaintiff does not pursue a case, effectively meaning not following through with a legal suit.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('non-') pursuing a legal case ('suit') — that's why nonsuit means to not follow through with a lawsuit.
Visually Confused Words
nonpursuit
snowsuit