sue
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /suː/
KK: /su/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take legal action against someone in a court of law.
Example
She decided to sue the company for damages after the accident.
Tense Forms
Past: sued
Past Participle: sued
Conversation
I heard that company is planning to sue for breach of contract.
Really? That's surprising!
Yeah, it seems they have a solid case to go forward with it.
I hope it doesn't take too long to resolve.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
litigate
prosecute
appeal
Antonyms
defend
abandon
withdraw
transitive verb
Definition
To take legal action against someone in a court to seek compensation or justice for a wrongdoing.
Example
She decided to sue the company for damages after the accident.
Tense Forms
Past: sued
Past Participle: sued
Conversation
Did you hear that Tom decided to sue the company for unfair dismissal?
Really? That's a big step for him.
Yeah, he felt he had no other choice after what happened.
Root Explanation
**Sue** → The word 'sue' originates from Old French *suer* (meaning to follow or pursue) and is derived from Latin *sequi* (meaning to follow). The term refers to the act of following legal proceedings against someone, typically to seek a remedy or compensation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'following' someone in a legal sense — that's why to 'sue' means to pursue a legal case against someone.
Visually Confused Words
suwe
sure
supe
sune
stue
slue
se