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 verb 1 : to follow to the end : pursue until finished <prosecute a war>
2 : to engage in : perform
3 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