prosecution

[pros-i-kyoo-shuhn]

noun

1. Law.

   1. the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.

   2. the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.

2. the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

prosecution

/ ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted

2. 1. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person

   2. the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial

3. the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence

4. the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion

Other Word Forms

• nonprosecution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecution¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin prōsecūtiōn-, stem of prōsecūtiō “follow-up”; equivalent to prosecute + -ion

Example Sentences

Department of Justice for prosecution for fraud or attempted fraud, and another 111 to state or local prosecutors.

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Human rights groups have also been critical of the prosecutions.

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Justice Department for prosecution for fraud or attempted fraud, and another 111 to state or local prosecutors.

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"The prosecution team and the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision."

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Having already been threatened with prosecution, however, Ian said they knew the process of returning Liam to care would be "adversarial" and "laden with threats and misleading bullying tactics".

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Related Words

• government 
• prosecutor