sue

UK: suː | US: suː

Definition

  1. vt. to take legal action against someone

  2. vi. to make a request or plea formally

Structure
sue <follow, pursue (from Old French "suir")>
Etymology

The word "sue" originates from the Old French "suir" or "sivre," meaning "to follow" or "to pursue," which itself derives from the Latin "sequi" (to follow). Over time, its meaning evolved in legal contexts to signify "pursuing justice through legal action." The modern sense retains the idea of pursuing a claim, now specifically in a courtroom.

Examples

  1. She decided to sue the company for breach of contract.

  2. Victims of the accident may sue for compensation.

  3. He threatened to sue if the damages weren’t paid.

  4. They sued the landlord over unsafe living conditions.

  5. The artist sued to protect her intellectual property.