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

South Africa's prosecuting authority welcomed the sentence, saying it would help "bolstering our fight against human trafficking".

From BBC

He stressed the importance of prosecuting those responsible for this and other hacking incidents.

From BBC

There were attempts by the Ugandan government to strike a peace deal with Kony, but talks fell apart in 2008 because the LRA leader wanted assurances that he and his allies would not be prosecuted.

From BBC

Double jeopardy in US law protects against being prosecuted twice for the same crime.

From BBC

Those who believe the judiciary has gone too far in prosecuting people involved in the storming of government buildings on 8 January 2023 often cite the case of Débora Rodrigues dos Santos.

From BBC

Related Words

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