litigate

[lit-i-geyt]

verb (used with object)

litigated, litigating 

1. to make the subject of a lawsuit; contest at law.

2. Archaic.,  to dispute (a point, assertion, etc.).

verb (used without object)

litigated, litigating 

1. to carry on a lawsuit.

litigate

/ ˈlɪtɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to bring or contest (a claim, action, etc) in a lawsuit

2. (intr) to engage in legal proceedings

Other Word Forms

• litigative adjective
• relitigate verb (used with object)
• unlitigated adjective
• unlitigating adjective
• litigator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of litigate¹

First recorded in 1605–15, litigate is from the Latin word lītigātus (past participle of lītigāre to go to law). See litigant, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of litigate¹

C17: from Latin lītigāre, from līt-, stem of līs lawsuit + agere to carry on

Example Sentences

These matters are being addressed through the appropriate channels, and it would be inappropriate to litigate them in the press.

From BBC

He said Republicans also plan to litigate the title of the ballot measure and any voter guide materials that accompany it.

From Los Angeles Times

“Although we are disappointed that Adrian’s case has not been dismissed, we always anticipated being required to litigate this case post-indictment,” the Miller Law Group, which represents Martinez, said in its statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Voting maps that were approved in 2021 after the last population count are currently being litigated over allegations of racial discrimination.

From BBC

“We’re going to litigate this every step of the way, but we believe that this will also be rejected at the ballot box, in the court of public opinion,” DeMaio said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prosecute 

When To Use

What does litigate mean?

To litigate is to engage in a legal proceeding, such as a lawsuit. It can mean to bring a lawsuit or to contest one.The word especially refers to what lawyers do in such a proceeding. In fact, another name for a lawyer is litigator, especially a lawyer who specializes in civil cases. The related word litigant refers to a person engaged in a lawsuit.The process of engaging in a legal proceeding is called litigation. To be in litigation typically means to be engaged in a civil legal proceeding (as opposed to a criminal one, in which one is said to be on trial).Litigate can also be used in a somewhat figurative or general way meaning to intensely dispute or argue something, as if one were a lawyer in a courtroom setting, as in It’s just a minor issue—we don’t have to litigate it over and over again.  Example: They want to avoid having to litigate, so they’re going to try to get you to settle out of court.