prosecute

/ˌprɑsəˈkjut/

/ˈprɒsəkjut/

Other forms: prosecuted; prosecuting; prosecutes

To prosecute is to participate in or pursue something to completion, like a government’s intention to prosecute a war. Prosecute is most often used for bringing legal action against an accused person or group.

Prosecute comes from the Latin, “prosesutus,” meaning “follow after.” The legal sense of the word first appeared in the 1570s. A district attorney will often prosecute, by bringing legal charges and action against a person or group (watch any TV legal drama, and the prosecution will no doubt prosecute eventually). A company may prosecute by suing to protect against damages. Prosecute should not be confused with the word persecute, which means to harass or oppress.

Definitions of prosecute

1. verb

   conduct a prosecution in a court of law
   type of:

   act, move

   perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
2. verb

   bring a criminal action against (in a trial)
   “The State of California prosecuted O.J. Simpson”

   antonyms:

   defend

   be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
3. verb

   carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
   synonyms: engage, pursue

   types:

   commit, practice

   engage in or perform

   close

   engage at close quarters

   politick

   engage in political activities

   logroll

   work toward the passage of some legislation by exchanging political favors such as trading votes

   type of:

   act, move

   perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)