prosecution

[ pros-i-kyoo-shuhn ]

noun

1. Law.
   1. the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.
   2. the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.
2. the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

prosecution

/ ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted
2. 1. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person
   2. the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial
3. the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence
4. the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion

Other Words From

• nonpros·e·cution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecution¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin prōsecūtiōn-, stem of prōsecūtiō “follow-up”; equivalent to prosecute + -ion

Example Sentences

"These lies resulted in prosecution, conviction, and prison. For the liars, not me."

From BBC

In July, the legal case against Baldwin, who was on trial for manslaughter, was dismissed due to the prosecution's failure to turn over evidence to the defense.

From Salon

Her former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer, were handed prison terms of one year and four months, and two years respectively, for hiding evidence to help her evade prosecution.

From BBC

“If you think that you can stop these irregular flows just with policing and prosecution and securitising, it’s a road to nowhere.”

From BBC

The prosecutions at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday concerned 11 children, aged between seven and 15, and all registered at schools in the local area.

From BBC

Related Words

• government
• prosecutor