prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of prosecuting

specifically : the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment

2

: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted

3

obsolete : pursuit

Synonyms

• accomplishment
• achievement
• commission
• discharge
• enactment
• execution
• fulfillment
• fulfilment
• implementation
• performance
• perpetration
• pursuance

Examples of prosecution in a Sentence

There has been an increase in prosecutions for gun-related crimes.

The defendant is awaiting prosecution.

The prosecution called their first witness.

The prosecution rests, Your Honor.

The defense told the jury that the prosecution had not proved its case.

Recent Examples on the Web

The suspect, named in a prosecution statement as Yaqi X., is accused of passing on information obtained while working for a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle airport to a member of the Chinese secret service. —Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

While the Supreme Court has already given him more liberty to act outside the bounds of constitutional norms—granting all presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts—many of his other measures will face legal challenges. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Its attorneys launch hate crimes prosecutions, investigate discrimination in employment and housing, and sue states when their voting rules run afoul of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. —Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024

Potential voter fraud cases are referred to district attorneys for investigation, and if necessary, possible prosecution. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prosecution

• testify for the defense/prosecution
• the prosecution

Kids Definition

prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of prosecuting

especially : the bringing and continuance of a criminal case

2

: the one bringing charges of crime against a person being tried

especially : the state's lawyers in a criminal case

Legal Definition

prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of prosecuting

especially : the institution and carrying on of a criminal action involving the process of seeking formal charges against a person and pursuing those charges to final judgment

2

: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted compare defense sense 3, plaintiff