answer legal definition

To respond to a pleading, discovery request, or other judicial process or procedural step.

To address or counter allegations, account for oneÂ’s actions, or otherwise put up a defense.

To assume the liability or responsibility for anotherÂ’s actions.

To pay a debt or other liability; to suffer the consequences for oneÂ’s actions.

A pleading that is a defendantÂ’s principal response to a plaintiffÂ’s complaint. It denies, admits, or otherwise addresses each of the allegations in the complaint. It also usually sets forth the defendantÂ’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. See also reply.