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DictionarycomplainantPerson making a formal complaint
noun

complainant

kum-PLAY-nunt/kəmˈpleɪnənt/

A person who makes a formal complaint or accusation.

The complainant gives her formal complaint to the court clerk.

A Black woman submits a formal complaint folder to a courthouse clerk.
Etymology
comLatinperhaps an intensifier
+plainLatinto strike, beat the breast
+antOld Frenchpresent-participle ending

Plangere's breast-beating image developed into lamenting and voicing grievances; com- may have been emphatic. The participial form identified someone complaining, specifically a person bringing a formal complaint or legal action.

In context

CharmTV Citizens' Hub147:19
What the complainant receives immediately is what we call a form 309. It basically um is a pamphlet that has the complaint number, the officer's name, the officer sequence number, the date of the incident
City Council Budget Hearings: Baltimore City Police Department; June 2, 2017

More examples

  • An investigator contacted the complainant for further details.
  • The hearing gave the complainant a chance to speak.
  • The agency kept the complainant informed of the decision.

Forms

complainant · complainants

complain verb — express dissatisfaction or report a grievance

Similar words

plaintiff
A plaintiff brings a civil lawsuit; complainant can also refer to someone making another formal complaint.
accuser
An accuser alleges wrongdoing; a complainant has formally reported a grievance.