definitions

prosecute

[ pros-i-kyoot ]
/ ˈprɒs ɪˌkyut /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prosecute ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

Law.
  1. to institute legal proceedings against (a person).
  2. to seek to enforce or obtain by legal process.
  3. to conduct criminal proceedings in court against.
to follow up or carry forward something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion: to prosecute a war.
to carry on or practice.

verb (used without object), pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

Law.
  1. to institute and carry on a legal prosecution.
  2. to act as prosecutor.

Nearby words

prosecco, prosecretin, prosect, prosector, prosectorial, prosecute, prosecuting attorney, prosecution, prosecutor, prosecutorial, prosecutory

Origin of prosecute

1400–50; late Middle English prosecuten to follow up, go on with < Latin prōsecūtus, past participle of prōsequī to pursue, proceed with, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + secū-, variant stem of sequī to follow + -tus past participle suffix

Related forms

Can be confused

persecute prosecute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for prosecutable

prosecute

/ (ˈprɒsɪˌkjuːt) /

verb

(tr) to bring a criminal action against (a person) for some offence
(intr)
  1. to seek redress by legal proceedings
  2. to institute or conduct a prosecution
(tr) to engage in or practise (a profession or trade)
(tr) to continue to do (a task, etc)

Derived Forms

prosecutable, adjective

Word Origin for prosecute

C15: from Latin prōsequī to follow, from prō- forward + sequī to follow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012