Main Entry:

pros·e·cute

Pronunciation:

\ˈprä-si-ˌkyüt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

pros·e·cut·ed; pros·e·cut·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin prosecutus, past participle of prosequi to pursue — more at pursue

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1: to follow to the end : pursue until finished <prosecute a war>2: to engage in : perform3 a: to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law b: to institute legal proceedings with reference to <prosecute a claim>intransitive verb: to institute and carry on a legal suit or prosecution

— pros·e·cut·able \ˌprä-sə-ˈkyü-tə-bəl\ adjective