prosecute

[ pros-i-kyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

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)

, pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

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)

Derived Forms

• ˈproseˌcutable, adjective

Other Words From

• prose·cuta·ble adjective
• prose·cuta·bili·ty noun
• nonpros·e·cuta·ble adjective
• quasi-prose·cuted adjective
• re·prose·cute verb (used with object) reprosecuted reprosecuting
• well-prose·cuted 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

In a statement, she said the letter never should have been sent and her office wouldn’t prosecute a journalist or compel them to reveal sources.

From Voice of San Diego

She called it “antiquated” and said deputy city attorneys would not prosecute anyone for it.

From Voice of San Diego

My office has never – and will never – prosecute a journalist or compel them to reveal confidential sources.

From Voice of San Diego

The office also prosecutes all misdemeanor crimes in the city of San Diego.

From Voice of San Diego

As San Diego prepares to prosecute people who attended protests, the streetlight camera footage could be useful not just to local authorities, but to federal prosecutors.

From Voice of San Diego

Prosecute him, and you may promise yourself to be blown up at every gaming-house in the town.

From Project Gutenberg

Prosecute the boy, and you put him in prison, and spend more money; you get none back.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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