What does "prosecute" mean?

1. (legal action) to officially charge someone with a crime and take them to court. 2. (to continue a task) to continue doing something or to follow a plan until it is finished.

How do you use "prosecute"?

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the person or entity being charged. Often used in military or academic contexts regarding the 'prosecution of a war' or 'prosecution of research'.

prosecute

US //ˈpɹɑsəkˌjut// UK //pɹˈɒsɪkjˌuːt// pros·e·cute

1 legal action (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

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

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

Example

The shop decided to prosecute the man for stealing the expensive watch.

Example

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.
- defend
- pardon
2 to continue a task (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Academic

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

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

Example

The company will prosecute its business goals with more energy next year.

Example

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'.
- abandon
- cease

Origin

Borrowed from Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Doublet of pursue, from Old French. Compare also persecute.

Word family

Verbprosecute
Nounprosecution