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

Real estate experts say claiming primary residences on different mortgages at the same time is often legal and rarely prosecuted.

From Salon

In Russia, where people are prosecuted for critical comments or private messages, and a black market of personal data feeds an epidemic of scam calls, this is a real concern.

From BBC

The service would "always work hard to prosecute corruption of this nature", Mr McHaffie added.

From BBC

"Palestine Action is clearly proscribed as a terrorist group, and those showing support for this particular group, or encouraging others to do so can expect to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted," she said.

From BBC

Stephanie Bridgett said this case is the first time her office has sought to prosecute murder charges without having located a body.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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