prosecute

/ˈprɑːsɪkjuːt/
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Formal action that either brings a legal case forward or carries an organized effort through to its end.

Examples

  • Trespassers may be prosecuted under local law.
  • The agency prosecuted a long investigation into the scheme.
  • They prosecuted the reform campaign with unusual discipline.
  • The district attorney prosecuted the fraud case.
  • Federal authorities can prosecute serious environmental crimes.

Similar words

bring charges
charge
arraign
conduct
sue
pursue
take to court
indict
carry out
wage

Meanings

Carry through to completion

verb
formal action
formal
To pursue, conduct, or keep going with a planned course of action until it is finished.

Examples

  • The government prosecuted the war despite growing opposition.
  • The agency prosecuted a long investigation into the scheme.
  • They prosecuted the reform campaign with unusual discipline.
  • She prosecuted the research project for five years.
  • The board voted to prosecute the plan to completion.
  • Commanders prosecuted the campaign through the winter.
  • The committee is prosecuting a review of public spending.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin prosecutus, the past participle of prosequi, meaning to follow after or pursue, from pro- meaning forward and sequi meaning follow.

FAQ

What does prosecute mean in law?

It means to bring and carry forward a legal case against someone, often for a crime or legal violation.

Who can prosecute a criminal case?

A prosecutor or public authority usually prosecutes a criminal case, though some systems also allow private prosecutions.

Can prosecute be used outside law?

Yes. In formal writing it can mean to pursue or carry out a planned effort, especially a war, campaign, investigation, or major plan.

Is prosecute the same as persecute?

No. Prosecute means bring a legal case or carry an effort forward. Persecute means harass or oppress someone.

Can a court prosecute someone?

Usually no. A prosecutor prosecutes, while a court hears or tries the case.

What is the past tense of prosecute?

The past tense and past participle are prosecuted.

What are close synonyms for prosecute?

In law, close synonyms include charge, indict, and bring charges. Outside law, they include pursue, conduct, and carry out.

Where does prosecute come from?

It comes from Latin prosequi, meaning to follow after or pursue.

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