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

Under Korean law, a sitting president is immune from criminal prosecution on all matters except for leading an insurrection or acts of treason. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Though the president mostly has immunity from prosecution while in office, that does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. —Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Flynn and Gerhart’s book, which began with their coverage of Berg’s assassination in his driveway and followed the Order’s saga through the federal pursuit, investigation, and prosecution, is remarkably detailed. —Ali Winston, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024

The current law governing selective prosecution is far too stingy, in part because it was not built for a president like Trump. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 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