What does "litigate" mean?

The term "litigate" specifically refers to the act of carrying on a legal contest by means of judicial process. This involves the formal process of taking a dispute to court and engaging in the legal proceedings necessary to resolve that dispute, which can include filing lawsuits, presenting arguments, and going through trials.

This definition encompasses all the activities associated with legal proceedings, highlighting that litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the legal system rather than through informal negotiations or settlements. It emphasizes the formal and procedural aspects of engaging with the law, including adhering to court rules and timelines, and actively participating in judicial hearings.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define "litigate." Negotiating a settlement involves discussions to resolve a dispute without going to court, dismissing a case means to terminate the legal proceedings without a trial, and submitting evidence pertains to presenting proof during the litigation process, but does not encompass the entirety of what it means to litigate.