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

Explanation

You know the lawyers who try to make the jury believe the guy on trial for stealing the bananas actually stole the bananas? That team of lawyers is known as the prosecution. The entire process of trying to convict someone of a crime is known as the prosecution, and if convicted, you may face prosecution. Any words with the root prosecute are connected to trying to prove someone’s guilt. You might often hear about "the prosecution's case" — that's their evidence. Or you might hear about a "prosecution witness" — someone who is supposed to tell jury members something that will convince them of the defendant's guilt.

Example Sentences

“The sponsor may be subject to criminal prosecution for aiding your illegal entry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Caravello was swept up in a sprawling federal prosecution stemming from a July 10 protest at Glass House Farms’ grow site in Camarillo, where federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations and U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

It means the prosecution must make an early review of the realistic prospects of success, leading to some cases either being discontinued or lesser charges offered.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Each successive prosecution advanced his cause, as documented in these pages at the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

He had no intention of paying his debts and was confident he could evade prosecution through guile and charm.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• government
• prosecutor