View synonyms for prosecute

prosecute

[ pros-i-kyoot ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

Law.
1. to institute legal proceedings against (a person).
2. to seek to enforce or obtain by legal process.
3. to conduct criminal proceedings in court against.
to follow up or carry forward something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion:
to prosecute a war.
to carry on or practice.
Synonyms: conduct, execute, discharge, perform

verb (used without object)

, pros·e·cut·ed, pros·e·cut·ing.

Law.
1. to institute and carry on a legal prosecution.
2. to act as prosecutor.

prosecute

/ ˈprɒsɪˌkjuːt /

verb

tr to bring a criminal action against (a person) for some offence
intr
1. to seek redress by legal proceedings
2. to institute or conduct a prosecution
tr to engage in or practise (a profession or trade)
tr to continue to do (a task, etc)

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Derived Forms

ˈproseˌcutable, adjective

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Other Words From

prose·cuta·ble adjective
prose·cuta·bili·ty noun
nonpros·e·cuta·ble adjective
quasi-prose·cuted adjective
re·prose·cute verb (used with object) reprosecuted reprosecuting
well-prose·cuted adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecute¹

1400–50; late Middle English prosecuten to follow up, go on with < Latin prōsecūtus, past participle of prōsequī to pursue, proceed with, equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + secū-, variant stem of sequī to follow + -tus past participle suffix

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Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecute¹

C15: from Latin prōsequī to follow, from prō- forward + sequī to follow

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Example Sentences

Prosecute him, and you may promise yourself to be blown up at every gaming-house in the town.

From Project Gutenberg

Prosecute the boy, and you put him in prison, and spend more money; you get none back.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

prosector prosecuting attorney

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