prosecute
To officially accuse someone of a crime and ask a court of law to judge them.
Examples
3 of 5Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Trespassers will be prosecuted.
The district attorney chose to prosecute the case to the full extent of the law.
The district attorney chose to prosecute the case to the full extent of the law.
Are they really going to prosecute him for that?
Are they really going to prosecute him for that?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Prosecute starts with 'Pro-', like a 'Professional' lawyer taking you to court.
Quick Quiz
The shop owner warned that he would ______ anyone caught stealing.
Correct!
The correct answer is: prosecute
Examples
Trespassers will be prosecuted.
everydayTrespassers will be prosecuted.
The district attorney chose to prosecute the case to the full extent of the law.
formalThe district attorney chose to prosecute the case to the full extent of the law.
Are they really going to prosecute him for that?
informalAre they really going to prosecute him for that?
The study examines why some crimes are difficult to prosecute effectively.
academicThe study examines why some crimes are difficult to prosecute effectively.
We will prosecute any firm that attempts to steal our intellectual property.
businessWe will prosecute any firm that attempts to steal our intellectual property.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the prosecution rests
the prosecution finished its case
Often Confused With
To prosecute is to take legal action; to persecute is to treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in criminal law. In civil law, 'sue' is the more common term.
Common Mistakes
Many students confuse 'prosecute' with 'persecute'.
Memory Tip
Prosecute starts with 'Pro-', like a 'Professional' lawyer taking you to court.
Word Origin
From Latin 'prosequi', meaning 'to follow up' or 'pursue'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The state (represented by the prosecution) brings the case against the individual in criminal trials.
Quick Quiz
The shop owner warned that he would ______ anyone caught stealing.
Correct!
The correct answer is: prosecute
Related Vocabulary
Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how p...
trialA formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is g...
crimeA crime is an action that is against the law and is punishab...
indictmentA formal written statement that officially accuses someone o...
prosecutorA prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their...
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