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/prəˈsɪkjuːt/
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It denotes initiating legal action, pursuing a plan or campaign, and carrying on a war, all involving a determined effort to bring something to completion.
Examples The general prosecuted the offensive until the enemy lines fell.
They prosecuted the war with a strategy of rapid advances.
If the evidence is insufficient, the prosecutor may prosecute the suspect later.
The agency prosecuted multiple violations of environmental law.
He is prosecuting the defendant for embezzlement.
Similar words indict
run lead
bring to trial
advance
execute
carry out
charge
manage
carry on
Meanings Usage Use prosecute when referring to the state or a prosecutor filing charges.
Examples The district attorney prosecuted the thief after a thorough investigation.
She prosecutes white‑collar crimes with great diligence.
They will prosecute the case next month.
The court prosecuted the fraud scheme vigorously.
He is prosecuting the defendant for embezzlement.
The agency prosecuted multiple violations of environmental law.
If the evidence is insufficient, the prosecutor may prosecute the suspect later.
Common mistakes The third‑person -s is dropped or the verb is used for minor offences.
Incorrect Correct He prosecute the defendant tomorrow.
He will prosecute the defendant tomorrow.
The case prosecute by the police.
The case was prosecuted by the police.
She prosecuted the suspect for stealing a cookie.
She charged the suspect for stealing a cookie.
Similar words indict
charge
arraign
sue
accuse
bring to trial
press charges
Usage Use prosecute for formal or systematic efforts such as a campaign, investigation, or project.
Examples The manager prosecuted the new marketing strategy despite initial setbacks.
She prosecutes her research project with relentless focus.
They will prosecute the renovation plan over the summer.
He is prosecuting the merger to completion.
The committee prosecuted the policy changes throughout the year.
We must prosecute this initiative until it succeeds.
The director prosecuted the documentary series from concept to broadcast.
Common mistakes The verb is used for casual tasks or the present form is omitted.
Incorrect Correct I will prosecute my garden this weekend.
I will tend my garden this weekend.
They prosecuted the new policy.
They implemented the new policy.
He prosecutes the meeting.
He leads the meeting.
Similar words pursue
carry out
implement
execute
advance
drive
manage
Usage Use prosecute when describing the continuation of a war or conflict in formal contexts.
Examples The general prosecuted the offensive until the enemy lines fell.
They prosecuted the war with a strategy of rapid advances.
The army prosecuted the campaign across the desert.
She prosecuted the conflict with diplomatic pressure.
The nation prosecuted its war effort for three years.
He prosecuted the battle until surrender was achieved.
The coalition prosecuted the operation until peace was restored.
Common mistakes The verb is applied to non‑military activities or the form is misused.
Incorrect Correct The team prosecuted the project.
The team executed the project.
She prosecuted the debate.
She participated in the debate.
We will prosecute the game tonight.
We will play the game tonight.
Similar words conduct
wage
engage in
carry on
execute
run lead
Usage Use prosecute for formal contexts such as legal proceedings, systematic campaigns, or military operations, and avoid informal or casual uses.
Common mistakes Using prosecute for everyday tasks like ‘I will prosecute my homework’ is incorrect.
Etymology From Latin prosecutus, the past participle of prosequi ‘to pursue’, itself from pro‑ ‘forward’ + sequi ‘to follow’.
FAQ What does prosecute mean in a legal context?
It means to bring criminal or civil charges against someone, seeking a judgment or punishment.
Can prosecute be used for non‑legal actions?
Yes, it can describe pursuing a plan, project, or campaign until it is completed.
Is prosecute appropriate when talking about wars?
In formal contexts it can mean to conduct or continue a war or military operation.
What is the past tense of prosecute ?
The past tense is prosecuted .
What are common synonyms for prosecute ?
Synonyms include indict, charge, arraign, sue, accuse, bring to trial, press charges.
What are the opposite actions of prosecute in its legal sense?
The opposites are to acquit, exonerate, or dismiss the case.
How is prosecute different from pursue ?
Prosecute implies a formal, systematic effort, often legal or organized, whereas pursue is broader and less formal.
Where does the word prosecute come from?
It derives from Latin prosecutus, the past participle of prosequi ‘to pursue’.
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