Prosecute

/ˈpɹɒsɪkjuːt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, law) To start criminal proceedings against..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, law) To start criminal proceedings against.
2. (transitive, law) To charge, try.
3. To seek to obtain by legal process.
4. (transitive) To pursue something to the end.

Example Sentences

to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot

To acquit themſelves and proſecute their foes

The Vigilante is prosecuted in Federal Court under a lynch bill and winds up in a Federal Nut House specially designed for the containment of ghosts […]

to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law

to prosecute a scheme, hope, or an investigation

I am beloved of beauteous Hermia; / Why should not I, then, prosecute my right?

Nor do we believe that a country that prosecuted two wars in China in the 19th century to force the Chinese to accept opium imports has any moral right to lecture Asians on drugs.

Synonyms for prosecute

Antonyms for prosecute

Related Words

Word Forms

• prosecutes
• prosecuting
• prosecuted
• prosequte
• prosequute

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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