Persecute vs prosecute
Persecute means to treat people cruelly again and again, often because of who they are or what they believe. Prosecute means to take someone to court for a crime.
Prosecute goes with prosecutor, the lawyer who brings the case to court.
persecute verb
To keep harming or treating people cruelly, especially because of their race, identity or beliefs.
- The regime persecuted journalists who criticized the government, jailing many without trial.
- Many families fled the country because they were persecuted for their religion.
prosecute verb
To formally accuse someone of a crime and take them to court.
- Regulators chose to prosecute the company for environmental violations.
- Shoplifters will be prosecuted, the sign in the store warned.
Watch out
- In formal English, prosecute can also mean to carry on a task, especially a war or campaign, until it is finished. This sense has nothing to do with courts.The government was determined to prosecute the war until victory.
- Persecute can also mean to bother someone with demands again and again.Reporters persecuted the reluctant witness with calls and letters until she agreed to an interview.
Test yourself
The state decided to blank the driver for causing the crash.
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prosecute. Taking someone to court for a crime is to prosecute them.
For centuries, rulers would blank anyone who held different beliefs, burning their books and driving them from their homes.
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persecute. Treating people cruelly because of their beliefs is to persecute them.
The district attorney plans to blank him for fraud.
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prosecute. Taking someone to court for a crime is to prosecute them.
The refugees said soldiers would blank anyone who spoke their language.
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persecute. This is cruel treatment because of who people are, not a court case.
Full entries: persecuteprosecute