in personam
adverb or adjective
in per·so·nam
ˌin-pər-ˈsō-ˌnam 
-ˌnäm
: against a person for the purpose of imposing a liability or obligation
—used especially of legal actions, judgments, or jurisdiction
compare in rem
Cite this Entry
“In personam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20personam. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
in personam
adverb or adjective
in per·so·nam
ˌin-pər-ˈsō-nəm
: against a person for the purpose of imposing a liability or obligation to do or not do something
an action in personam
an in personam suit
see also in personam jurisdiction at jurisdiction compare in rem, quasi in rem
Etymology
Latin, against a person
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