a person who answers a request for information

In a recent opinion poll, a majority of respondents were against nuclear weapons. 在最近的一次民意调查中，大多数调查对象表示反对发展核武器。

in a court case, the person who a petition (= a formal letter to the court asking for a particular action) is made against, especially in a divorce case

She divorced the respondent on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour. 她以被告行为失当为由与其离婚。

Compare: co-respondent