Dismissal With Prejudice Definition

A full and final dismissal of a case, claim, or defense, which prevents the party making it from asserting it again in the same or any future lawsuit.

A dismissal with prejudice might be ordered when the parties have fully settled their case, the full settlement amount has been paid, and there's nothing left to do. In that case, a dismissal with prejudice prevents the plaintiff from refiling the case to harass or intimidate the defendant.

See also dismiss, dismissal without prejudice