prosecute

verb

USPRAH-si-kyoot/ˈpɹɑsɪkjut/PROS-i-kyoot/ˈpɹɒsɪkjuːt/

Formsprosecutes, prosecuting, prosecuted

Often confused with persecute

4 meanings of prosecute

1
verbtransitive
To take someone to court for breaking the law.
Like a referee deciding to punish a player who broke the rules.
The state decided to prosecute the driver who caused the crash.
Police will prosecute anyone who steals from the store.
Similarcharge, indict, try, sue
Oppositedefend
Note
2
verbtransitive
To officially accuse someone of a crime and put them on trial.
Like a school formally accusing a student and then holding a hearing to decide what happened.
The state will prosecute the man and let a jury decide his guilt.
They prosecuted the driver and proved he was at fault.
Similartry, argue, litigate, conduct
Oppositedefend
Note
3
verbtransitive
To keep doing something until it is finished.
Like finishing a long race instead of stopping halfway.
The general decided to prosecute the war until the enemy surrendered.
She prosecuted the project to the very end despite many problems.
Similarpursue, conduct, continue, advance
Oppositeabandon, drop, neglect
Note
4
verbtransitive
To go through the courts to get something you are owed.
Like asking a judge to make sure you get back money someone owes you.
They hired a lawyer to prosecute their claim for damages.
She prosecuted her case in court and won the money she was owed.
Similarpursue, litigate, press
Oppositedrop, abandon, withdraw
Note

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from Latin. It came from the Latin verb 'prōsequor'.