What is the term for an answer to a complaint made by the defendant?

The term that accurately describes an answer to a complaint made by the defendant is referred to as a "Written response." This is the document through which the defendant responds to the allegations set forth in the plaintiff's complaint. In the context of legal proceedings, this written response can take various forms, such as a general denial of the claims or presenting specific defenses. Essentially, it is the formal method by which the defendant addresses the plaintiff's claims, thereby moving the case forward to further legal analysis or trial.

While an affidavit consists of a sworn statement of facts, it serves a different purpose in legal proceedings and is not a direct answer to a complaint. A counterclaim, on the other hand, is a separate claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in response to the original complaint, which isn't simply an answer but rather asserts that the plaintiff has also wronged the defendant. Lastly, a motion to dismiss is a request made to the court to terminate the case, asserting that the complaint is without merit, rather than being an answer to the allegations laid out in that complaint. In summary, the "Written response" is the term that directly correlates with a defendant's reply to a plaintiff's complaint.