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

That prosecution came to an abrupt halt when Bannon was pardoned by Mr. Trump in the final hours of his first term in office. —Graham Kates, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025

At this time, our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conducted an investigation into SeaQuest Roseville and presented its findings to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for prosecution review, which is still active and ongoing, Public Information Officer Dennis Gerhardstein said in an email last week. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Politics has never played a role in the office’s investigations or prosecutions. —Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025

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