implead
Rare (C2)Formal/Legal
Definition
Meaning
To bring a lawsuit against someone; to sue or prosecute.
A formal legal term for initiating proceedings or bringing a claim against a party in a court of law.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is an archaic or highly formal verb used primarily in legal contexts. It implies a formal initiation of legal action. It is often used in passive constructions (e.g., 'impleaded as a defendant').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic and formal in both legal traditions. It may be encountered in historical legal texts or very formal modern pleadings in both jurisdictions.
Connotations
Very formal, antiquated, technical legal language.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern legal practice in both the UK and US, where terms like 'sue', 'prosecute', or 'bring an action against' are standard.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] implead [O] (e.g., The plaintiff impleaded the manufacturer.)[S] implead [O] as [C] (e.g., They were impleaded as third-party defendants.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or deep legal scholarship.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Exclusively in formal legal drafting or historical legal texts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The claimant sought to implead the subcontractor in the existing proceedings.
- He was impleaded on the grounds of vicarious liability.
American English
- The defendant moved to implead a third party for indemnity.
- The corporation was impleaded in the federal district court.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not used at this level.
- This word is not used at this level.
- This word is not used at this level.
- The lawyer decided to implead the insurance company to ensure all responsible parties were before the court.
- Under the Civil Procedure Rules, a party may be impleaded if they are necessary for the resolution of the matter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a formal PLEA being made IN a court. IN + PLEA + D = IMPLEAD. It's a formal plea to the court to act.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL ACTION IS A FORMAL SUMMONS (to answer charges).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'обжаловать' (to appeal). 'Implead' is the initial act of bringing suit. A closer but imperfect translation is 'привлекать к суду' or 'предъявлять иск'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in non-legal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'impede' (to obstruct).
- Using it to mean 'to plead' in a general sense.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the verb 'implead'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic term used almost exclusively in formal legal language.
'Implead' is a highly formal, specific legal term for bringing a party into a lawsuit. 'Sue' is the common, everyday term for starting a civil legal action.
No, its usage is strictly confined to formal legal contexts and would sound highly unnatural elsewhere.
It is very uncommon in modern practice. You might see it in very formal legal documents or historical references, but modern legal professionals overwhelmingly use terms like 'join', 'add as a party', or simply 'sue'.