prosecute

[pros-i-kyoot]

verb (used with object)

prosecuted, prosecuting 

1. 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.

2. to follow up or carry forward something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

   to prosecute a war.

3. to carry on or practice.

   Synonyms: conduct, execute, discharge, perform

verb (used without object)

prosecuted, prosecuting 

1. Law.

   1. to institute and carry on a legal prosecution.

   2. to act as prosecutor.

prosecute

/ ˈprɒsɪˌkjuːt /

verb

1. (tr) to bring a criminal action against (a person) for some offence

2. (intr)

   1. to seek redress by legal proceedings

   2. to institute or conduct a prosecution

3. (tr) to engage in or practise (a profession or trade)

4. (tr) to continue to do (a task, etc)

Other Word Forms

• prosecutable adjective
• prosecutability noun
• nonprosecutable adjective
• quasi-prosecuted adjective
• reprosecute verb (used with object)
• well-prosecuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecute¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecute¹

C15: from Latin prōsequī to follow, from prō- forward + sequī to follow

Example Sentences

Efforts around the country to prosecute even those low-level schemers, cheaters and 2020 election miscreants have produced mixed results.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whenever I forget to take the chicken out of the freezer, she lectures me—and then proceeds to prosecute me for forgetting to turn in my language arts essay.

Read more on Literature

The dilemma for these communities is whether they can accept reintegration into a state that couldn’t protect them or prosecute their persecutors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Assad's supporters are being prosecuted for "sedition, incitement to civil war... attacks against law enforcement, murder, looting, and vandalism," according to the indictment.

Read more on Barron's

But the Justice Minister said anyone involved would be found and prosecuted "ruthlessly" and there was "no place on earth they can hide".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• arraign 
• indict 
• litigate 
• sue 
• summon 
• try