prosecute
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The shop decided to prosecute the man for stealing the expensive watch.”
In context“The Crown Prosecution Service determined there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect for corporate fraud and money laundering.”
UsageThe verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the person or entity being charged.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The company will prosecute its business goals with more energy next year.”
In context“The general was determined to prosecute the war to a decisive conclusion, regardless of the mounting political pressure at home.”
UsageOften used in military or academic contexts regarding the 'prosecution of a war' or 'prosecution of research'.
prosecute vs persecute — Persecute is to mistreat someone for their beliefs; prosecute is to take someone to court for a crime.
“Two complaints – one relating to driver behaviour and the other a dispute over fares – led to taxi drivers being prosecuted.”
“It doesn't prosecute cases itself but shares its evidence with courts and authorities that do.”
Borrowed from Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Doublet of pursue, from Old French. Compare also persecute.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.