المتهم

al-muttaham

defendant

Difficulty Level

Frequency Rank

#10

Description

المتهم (al-muttaham) is an Arabic noun meaning 'defendant' or 'accused person' — someone who is formally charged with a crime or offense in a legal context. It is derived from the root اتهم (ittahama), meaning 'to accuse,' and carries the grammatical form of a passive participle indicating the person being accused. This word is essential in legal, judicial, and formal Arabic discourse.

★

Learn Arabic with our structured curriculum

Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11

📬

Word of the Day

Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.

Example Sentences

المتهم براءته من التهمة.

al-muttaham barā'atuhu min al-tuhma.

The defendant proved his innocence of the charge.

قدم المتهم شهادته أمام المحكمة.

Qaddama al-muttaham shahādatahu amāma al-mahkama.

The defendant presented his testimony before the court.

حقوق المتهم محمية بموجب القانون.

Huqūq al-muttaham muḥammāya bi-mūjab al-qānūn.

The rights of the defendant are protected under the law.

كان المتهم ممثلاً بمحاميه الخاص.

Kāna al-muttaham mumaththalan bi-muḥāmīhi al-khāṣṣ.

The defendant was represented by his own lawyer.

أطلق سراح المتهم بكفالة.

Aṭlaqa sarāḥ al-muttaham bi-kafāla.

The defendant was released on bail.

Synonyms

المدعى عليه(the accused, the defendant)الخصم(the opponent, the respondent)المتروك(the person charged)

Antonyms

المدعي(the plaintiff, the prosecutor)الضحية(the victim)الشاهد(the witness)

Related Words

التهمة(the charge, the accusation)المحاكمة(the trial)المحكمة(the court)القاضي(the judge)الحكم(the judgment, the verdict)

Cultural Notes

In Arab legal systems, the defendant holds specific rights recognized by Islamic law and modern civil codes. The protection of the accused's rights is deeply embedded in Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary Arab constitutions, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This word is frequently used in media coverage of trials, legal discussions, and court proceedings throughout the Arab world.

Usage Tips

Remember that المتهم is always singular and masculine in its base form; use المتهمة for a female defendant, and المتهمون/المتهمات for plural defendants. This word appears frequently in formal legal contexts, news reports, and official documents, so familiarizing yourself with it is important if you're learning professional Arabic. Note that it requires the definite article 'ال' (al-) when referring to a specific defendant in context.

## Understanding المتهم (al-muttaham) - Defendant The Arabic word **المتهم** (al-muttaham) is a fundamental legal term meaning 'defendant' or 'the accused person.' It derives from the verbal root **اتهم** (ittahama), which means 'to accuse' or 'to charge.' The word itself is a passive participle (اسم المفعول), indicating someone who is the object of an accusation in a legal proceeding. ### Grammar and Structure المتهم follows standard Arabic noun patterns and agrees with other words in gender and number. The definite article 'ال' (al-) is typically attached when referring to a specific defendant. For gender variation: - Masculine singular: المتهم (al-muttaham) - Feminine singular: المتهمة (al-muttahima) - Masculine plural: المتهمون (al-muttahimūn) - Feminine plural: المتهمات (al-muttahimāt) ### Usage in Legal Contexts This word is essential in legal, judicial, and formal Arabic discourse. It appears regularly in: - Court documents and legal filings - News reports about criminal cases - Judicial proceedings and trial transcripts - Legal discussions and educational materials - Constitutional and rights-based discussions When used in context, it often appears with related legal terminology such as التهمة (al-tuhma, 'the charge'), المحكمة (al-mahkama, 'the court'), and القاضي (al-qadi, 'the judge'). ### Cultural and Legal Significance In Arab legal systems, the treatment of the defendant is governed by both Islamic law (Sharia) and modern civil codes. Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes the protection of the accused's rights, including the presumption of innocence (براءة الذمة) until proven guilty. This principle is reflected in most Arab constitutions and legal frameworks. The defendant's rights include the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to appeal verdicts. These protections are recognized across most Arab nations and reflect both traditional Islamic values and modern democratic principles. ### Common Phrases and Expressions When discussing legal matters, you'll frequently encounter these phrases: - **براءة المتهم** (barā'at al-muttaham) - 'The defendant's acquittal' or 'innocence of the defendant' - **إدانة المتهم** (idānat al-muttaham) - 'The conviction of the defendant' - **حقوق المتهم** (huqūq al-muttaham) - 'The rights of the defendant' - **الدفاع عن المتهم** (al-difā'u 'an al-muttaham) - 'Defense of the defendant' ### Related Legal Terminology Understanding المتهم requires familiarity with related legal vocabulary: - **المدعي** (al-mudaa'ī) - The plaintiff or prosecutor (antonym) - **المحامي** (al-muḥāmī) - The lawyer or attorney - **الشاهد** (al-shāhid) - The witness - **الضحية** (al-ḍaḥīya) - The victim - **الحكم** (al-ḥukm) - The judgment or verdict ### Practical Tips for Learners When learning to use this word correctly, remember that it is a formal term used primarily in legal, official, and journalistic contexts. It's less common in everyday conversational Arabic unless discussing legal matters. Always ensure agreement in gender and number when using it with adjectives or verbs. For instance, if discussing a female defendant, use المتهمة along with feminine verb conjugations and adjectives. The word appears frequently in Arabic news media, particularly in reports about criminal trials, investigations, and court proceedings. Reading news articles about legal cases is an excellent way to see this word used naturally in context and to learn the surrounding legal vocabulary simultaneously. ### Conclusion المتهم is a crucial word for anyone learning professional Arabic, studying law in Arabic-speaking countries, or following news about the Arab world. Its proper understanding and usage will enhance your ability to engage with legal documents, court proceedings, and informed discussions about justice and rights in Arab societies.