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Synonyms

prosecuting attorney

American  

noun

(sometimes initial capital letters)

  1. the public officer in a county, district, or other jurisdiction charged with carrying on the prosecution in criminal proceedings.

prosecuting attorney British  

noun

  1. law (in some states) an officer in a judicial district appointed to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state and people

"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

Etymology

Origin of prosecuting attorney

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A prosecuting attorney representing Florida indicated he had been told that Nevada was willing to consider dismissing the warrants if Morris’ debts were paid in full.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

But a prosecuting attorney would never advise a client to waive their right to a trial, even if arbitration is their preference.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2024

Also concerned about the DNA, the local prosecuting attorney, Wesley Bell, requested a hearing.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

When asked by prosecuting attorney Susan Hoffinger whether or not he thought it was wrong, Cohen said that he thought it was.

From Salon • May 20, 2024

The prosecuting attorney must have sent this, I reasoned.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.