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

Once fraudulent returns are processed and refunds disbursed, recovery becomes extremely difficult, and prosecutions are rare compared to the volume of fraud. —Quora, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

President Trump’s sweeping clemency for Jan. 6 defendants have taken a number of surprising twists and turns nearly three months after the Capitol attack prosecution was abruptly upended. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025

Hammond Police Department But prosecutor Taylor Anthony believed his prosecution would deliver justice to Selonia. —Vladimir Duthiers, Paul Larosa, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2025

Eleven prosecutions, which are currently sealed, are ongoing as a result of the drug seizure, Bondi said. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prosecution

• testify for the defense/prosecution
• the prosecution

Rhymes for prosecution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

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