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Definition of litigate

litigate

/ˈlɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/
lit · i · gate
Adverb:litigiously
•
Adjective:litigious
•
Past Simple:litigated
•
Past Participle:litigated
•
Present Participle:litigating
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litigate Lexical Profile

litigate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take a claim, dispute, or issue to a court of law for resolution; to engage in legal proceedings.

Example

"The two technology firms decided to settle the patent dispute out of court rather than litigate for years."

2

To argue over or debate a point, grievance, or decision at great length outside of a courtroom (used figuratively).

Example

"Instead of focusing on future policy, the committee spent the entire afternoon trying to litigate past mistakes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for litigate

• Nearby Words

lithops
lithuania
litigant
litigate
litigation
litigator
litigious

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin litigatus, past participle of litigare ('to go to law, dispute'), formed from lis, lit- ('lawsuit, quarrel') and agere ('to drive, conduct').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Litigate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/litigate
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