# prosecute

/ˈpɹɑsəkˌjut/ (US) · /pɹˈɒsɪkjˌuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prosecute
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. legal action

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to officially charge someone with a crime and take them to court.

For teachers: to institute and carry on legal proceedings against a person or organisation in a court of law.

- The shop decided to prosecute the man for stealing the expensive watch.
- The Crown Prosecution Service determined there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect for corporate fraud and money laundering.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the person or entity being charged.

### 2. to continue a task

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

to continue doing something or to follow a plan until it is finished.

For teachers: to carry on or proceed with an investigation, task, or war to its completion.

- The company will prosecute its business goals with more energy next year.
- The general was determined to prosecute the war to a decisive conclusion, regardless of the mounting political pressure at home.

Usage: Often used in military or academic contexts regarding the 'prosecution of a war' or 'prosecution of research'.

## Examples

- The state decided to prosecute the driver for speeding.
- The district attorney announced that they would prosecute the case despite the lack of physical evidence.
- While the police may investigate a crime, it is the role of the public prosecutor to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect in a court of law.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.