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Prosecute: meaning, definitions and examples

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prosecute

 

[ ˈprɒsɪkjuːt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal

To bring a criminal action against (someone) in a court of law. To institute legal proceedings in respect of (a claim or offence). To pursue (a course of action).

Synonyms

accuse, charge, sue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prosecute

Use this word in a legal context when someone is officially trying to prove in court that someone is guilty of a crime.

  • The government decided to prosecute the company for violating environmental laws.
  • The district attorney will prosecute the suspect for theft.
charge

It is used when someone is officially saying that a person has committed a crime; it often involves legal proceedings.

  • The police charged him with burglary.
  • She was charged with assault after the incident at the bar.
accuse

This word is used when blaming someone for doing something wrong or illegal, often without proof.

  • She accused him of stealing her wallet.
  • The politician was accused of corruption.
sue

This word applies in legal situations where a person starts a legal case against someone to get compensation or another legal remedy for some harm they believe has happened to them.

  • The celebrity decided to sue the newspaper for defamation.
  • He sued his neighbor for damaging his property.

Examples of usage

  • He was prosecuted for fraud.
  • They decided to prosecute the case.
  • The government will prosecute any violations of the law.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To continue with (a course of action) with a view to its completion.

Synonyms

carry on, continue, pursue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prosecute

Primarily used in legal contexts to mean initiating or carrying out legal proceedings against someone. It often carries a negative connotation as it implies associating someone with criminal charges.

  • The state decided to prosecute the suspect for theft.
  • She faced prosecution for failing to pay taxes.
pursue

Often used in formal or professional settings, indicating the act of following or chasing after something, like a goal or ambition. It carries a slightly intense connotation.

  • She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
  • He is pursuing his dream of becoming an artist.
continue

A versatile word used in both formal and informal contexts, meaning to persist in an activity or state without interruption. It has a neutral connotation.

  • They will continue their studies in the fall.
  • He continued walking despite the rain.
carry on

Commonly used in informal contexts to mean continuing an activity or task. It has a neutral to positive connotation and is often used to encourage someone.

  • Even after the interruption, she decided to carry on with her speech.
  • Don't mind me, please carry on with your work.

Examples of usage

  • She is determined to prosecute the project until the end.
  • I will prosecute my studies with diligence.

Translations

Translations of the word "prosecute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 processar

🇮🇳 अभियोजन करना

🇩🇪 verfolgen

🇮🇩 menuntut

🇺🇦 переслідувати

🇵🇱 ścigać

🇯🇵 起訴する

🇫🇷 poursuivre

🇪🇸 procesar

🇹🇷 dava açmak

🇰🇷 기소하다

🇸🇦 مقاضاة

🇨🇿 stíhat

🇸🇰 stíhať

🇨🇳 起诉

🇸🇮 kazensko preganjati

🇮🇸 ákæra

🇰🇿 қылмыстық іс қозғау

🇬🇪 სასამართლო დევნა

🇦🇿 məhkəmə təqibi

🇲🇽 procesar

Etymology

The word 'prosecute' originated from the Latin word 'prosequi' which means 'to pursue, accompany, or attend'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Originally, it had a broader meaning of 'to follow or pursue a course.' Over time, its legal sense became more prominent, particularly in relation to criminal proceedings.

See also: prosecution, prosecutor.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,132 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.