implead

verb

im·​plead im-ˈplēd How to pronounce implead (audio)
impleaded; impleading; impleads

transitive verb

: to sue or prosecute at law

Word History

Etymology

Middle English empleden, from Anglo-French empleder, from en- + pleder to plead

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of implead was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near implead

Cite this Entry

“Implead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implead. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

implead

transitive verb
im·​plead im-ˈplēd How to pronounce implead (audio)
: to bring into a lawsuit
specifically : to bring (a third party who is or may be liable to the plaintiff or defendant) into a suit compare interplead, intervene, join
Etymology

Anglo-French empleder, from Old French emplaidier, from en- thoroughly + plaidier to plead

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!