prosecution

American  

[pros-i-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌprɒs ɪˈkyu ʃən /

noun

1. Law.

   1. the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.

   2. the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.

2. the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

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prosecution British  

/ ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted

2. 1. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person

   2. the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial

3. the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence

4. the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion

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Other Word Forms

• nonprosecution noun

Etymology

Origin of prosecution

First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin prōsecūtiōn-, stem of prōsecūtiō “follow-up”; equivalent to prosecute + -ion

Example Sentences

But in his Jan. 21 speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the president said that prosecutions were coming.

From Salon

For the first month she had a total communication ban, but that was eventually lifted because she fully complied with the prosecution process.

From BBC

Critics argue that such prosecutions blur the line between reporting and participation and could deter journalists from covering volatile events.

From Salon

Scotland's independent prosecution and deaths investigation service is now investigating seven deaths for potential links to the hospital environment at Glasgow's largest hospital.

From BBC

“While the United States voluntarily dismissed its formal prosecution of her with prejudice ... government officials continue to prosecute Ms. Martinez’s character in the court of public opinion,” the motion read.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• government
• prosecutor