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

Last year, in another case brought by Trump, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for their official acts while in office. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025

The New York case has proceeded entirely in state courts in a prosecution brought by the Manhattan district attorney. —David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Carl Arnold, Davis’ attorney, argues that the delay in prosecution and the apparent waiving of prior immunity agreements violate his client’s constitutional rights. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2025

Both sides have told U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey that there are likely two to three more days worth of witnesses in Madigan’s defense case, followed by what likely will be a short prosecution rebuttal. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 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