prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
specifically : the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment
2
: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted
3
obsolete : pursuit

Examples of prosecution in a Sentence

There has been an increase in prosecutions for gun-related crimes. The defendant is awaiting prosecution. The prosecution called their first witness. The prosecution rests, Your Honor. The defense told the jury that the prosecution had not proved its case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The third highlighted a consumer-fraud prosecution. Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2025 Officials from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office also arrested Marlana Strausbaugh and William Strausbaugh, who now both face charges of hindering prosecution or apprehension and complicity in aiding escape. Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Sep. 2025 Your courage makes prosecutions possible. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025 Rebecca Morgan’s case is sealed, according to digital court records; however, records with the Johnson County Jail state she has been charged with hindering prosecution of terrorism. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prosecution

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosecution was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Prosecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosecution. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

prosecution

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
especially : the bringing and continuance of a criminal case
2
: the one bringing charges of crime against a person being tried
especially : the state's lawyers in a criminal case

Legal Definition

prosecution

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
especially : the institution and carrying on of a criminal action involving the process of seeking formal charges against a person and pursuing those charges to final judgment
2
: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted compare defense sense 3, plaintiff

More from Merriam-Webster on prosecution

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