prosecution

American  

[pros-i-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌprɒs ɪˈkyu ʃən /

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.

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prosecution British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonprosecution noun

Etymology

Origin of prosecution

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

Example Sentences

Ruben attempted to interrupt the sentencing hearing by shouting "no" after the court was told by the prosecution he had breached his own safeguarding rules.

From BBC

With the government's review of the files now over, and its insistence that there are no grounds for new prosecutions, the future looks uncertain.

From BBC

They were referred for prosecution, which is important for deterrence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wardell, who is now retired, said handlers continued to struggle to secure prosecutions when their animals were attacked, adding that when they did happen the sentences were "too lenient".

From BBC

The Los Angeles Police Department declined to provide a statement in relation to the investigation and the District Attorney did not respond to our request for information about the prosecution of Renteria.

From BBC

Related Words

• government
• prosecutor