French Conversation · Level 140
30 words
French word
intenter
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃tɑ̃te/
Meaning
- verbsue
Example
Il a décidé d'intenter une procédure pour protéger ses droits.
He decided to sue to protect his rights.
More examples
Plusieurs riverains veulent intenter un procès contre la société.
Several local residents want to file a lawsuit against the company.
Core concept
A claimant places a formal case before a court, seeking a remedy or recognition of a right.
Common phrases
intenter un procès
file a lawsuit
intenter une action contre quelqu'un
file a lawsuit against someone
Similar words
porter plainte: To lodge an official complaint about harm with the relevant authorities.
déposer une plainte: To file a complaint with the police or prosecutor, either orally or in writing.
attaquer: To take someone to court to obtain a legal decision.
Definition in French
Commencer une action en justice visant à obtenir réparation ou la reconnaissance d'un droit.
Word origin
French intenter comes from Latin intentare, related to intendere, with the sense of directing an action against someone.
Usage tips
- Intenter is formal legal vocabulary, while porter plainte is the usual expression for filing a complaint with the police.