answer

: the defendant's written response to the plaintiff's complaint in a civil suit in which he or she may deny any of the plaintiff's allegations, offer any defenses, and make any counterclaims against the plaintiff, cross-claims against other defendants, or third-party claims against third parties otherwise not involved in the lawsuit

: a written response to a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim : reply — see also responsive pleading at pleading 1

Note: In federal cases, answers are governed by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Under Rule 12, certain defenses (as lack of jurisdiction) may be made by motion rather than included in the answer.

: to reply to in an answer answer the complaint

: to reply to in an answer answer the complaint

: to make a defense against (as a charge or accusation)

: to make a defense against (as a charge or accusation)