sértett

Sértett is a Hungarian term used as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it means “injured, harmed, or offended.” As a noun, a sértett designates the person who has suffered harm due to a wrongdoing, particularly within a legal setting.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb sérteni, meaning “to injure” or “to offend.” The past participle sértett is then used both attributively and as a legal designation for someone who has been harmed.

In legal use, the sértett is the party who has suffered harm from a crime. In criminal procedure, the sértett may be a victim and can have specific rights, such as being informed about proceedings, participating in the process, presenting evidence, and pursuing a civil claim for damages (polgári igény) against the perpetrator. The sértett can sometimes join the prosecution as a party to the case and may request protective measures, restitution, or other remedies provided by law. The term helps distinguish the harmed party from the accused (vádlott) and from other stakeholders; however, in civil or administrative contexts, terms like károsult or érintett may be used as well.

In everyday language, sértett is also used more loosely to describe someone who feels insulted or hurt by another’s words or actions, though this sense is less formal and typically outside the strict legal context.