prosecution
Americannoun
-
Law.
-
the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.
-
the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.
-
-
the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.
noun
-
the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted
-
-
the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person
-
the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial
-
-
the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence
-
the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion
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
Explanation
You know the lawyers who try to make the jury believe the guy on trial for stealing the bananas actually stole the bananas? That team of lawyers is known as the prosecution. The entire process of trying to convict someone of a crime is known as the prosecution, and if convicted, you may face prosecution. Any words with the root prosecute are connected to trying to prove someone’s guilt. You might often hear about "the prosecution's case" — that's their evidence. Or you might hear about a "prosecution witness" — someone who is supposed to tell jury members something that will convince them of the defendant's guilt.
Vocabulary lists containing prosecution
The Bill of Rights
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Twelve Angry Men
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Bill of Rights
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He admitted being the speeding driver but submitted the form to the police too late to avoid a criminal prosecution.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
“The sponsor may be subject to criminal prosecution for aiding your illegal entry.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026
He said the prosecution never should have made it to trial.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
But the prosecution of such a highly-decorated veteran is also an extraordinary moment for the globe.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
This was my first meeting with anyone associated with Walter’s prosecution, and I didn’t want to begin with an angry accusation.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
