class-action

UK: ˈklɑːs ˈækʃən | US: ˈklæs ˈækʃən

Definition

  1. n. a legal action filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group ("class") with shared claims or grievances.

Structure
class <group>action <legal proceeding>
Etymology

The term "class-action" merges "class" (from Latin classis, originally meaning "a division of citizens" and later "a group with shared characteristics") with "action" (from Latin actio, meaning "a legal proceeding"). The compound emerged in 20th-century legal English to describe lawsuits where a single case represents an entire group with identical claims. The logic reflects efficiency: one "action" resolves disputes for a whole "class" of affected parties.

Examples

  1. The consumers filed a class-action lawsuit against the company for false advertising.

  2. Class-action cases often involve product liability or civil rights violations.

  3. The court certified the class-action, allowing thousands of employees to join the claim.

  4. Settlements in class-action suits typically require court approval.

  5. Lawyers specializing in class-action litigation represent large groups of plaintiffs.