prosecution

noun pros·e·cu·tion \ ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən \

Definition of prosecution

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

See prosecution defined for English-language learners

See prosecution defined for kids

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 of prosecution from the Web

Paul Gosar and Trent Franks described the case against Arpaio as a political prosecution and supported a pardon.

— Washington Post, "Pardon of Joe Arpaio would refute crux of immigration debate," 18 Aug. 2017
Interviews recorded at the Children's Advocacy Center have been used in the successful prosecution of thousands of child predators, a news release on the donation said.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville News Digest," 18 Aug. 2017
After hearing pleas from the defense for the minimum sentence of 15 years and requests from the prosecution and victim's family for the maximum, Hall handed down the life sentence.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Birmingham man sentenced to life in prison for fatally choking Huntsville man," 27 July 2017
President Trump’s tweet today suggesting Attorney General Sessions pursue prosecution of a former political rival is highly inappropriate.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "Trump Doubles Down on Public Humiliation of Jeff Sessions," 25 July 2017
Department of Justice lawyers consulted with the CIA before going ahead with the prosecution.

— Longreads, "How to Get Away with Spying for the Enemy," 20 July 2017
Once the charges were cleared, Kevin, Raymond, and Antron sued New York City for $250 million, citing malicious prosecution, racial discrimination, and emotional distress, and eventually reached a settlement for $40 million.

— lincoln anthony blades, Teen Vogue, "Central Park Five Case, Explained," 18 July 2017
In September 2013, the three-year statute of limitations expired on the robbery, apparently leaving the jewel thieves home free from prosecution.

— rick montgomery, kansascity, "Still no clues to hole-in-the-wall gang that robbed Plaza jewelry shop," 16 July 2017
Investigators would like to talk to that driver to help with the crash report, not for criminal prosecution, Bennetts said.

— greg moran, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Driver arrested after 100 mph pursuit, crash in San Marcos," 15 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prosecution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of prosecution

1545

prosecution Synonyms

Synonyms

accomplishment, achievement, discharge, enactment, execution, fulfillment (or fulfilment), implementation, performance, perpetration, commission, pursuance

Antonyms

nonfulfillment, nonperformance

Related Words

dispatch, expedition; administration, direction, handling, management; application, operation, practice (also practise)

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

PROSECUTION Defined for English Language Learners

prosecution

noun

Definition of prosecution for English Language Learners

: the act or process of holding a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty
the prosecution : the side of a legal case which argues that a person who is accused of a crime is guilty : the lawyer or lawyers who prosecute someone in a court case
: the act of doing or continuing to do something

PROSECUTION Defined for Kids

prosecution

noun pros·e·cu·tion \ ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən \

Definition of prosecution for Students

1 :the act of carrying on a legal action against a person accused of a crime in court

2 :the lawyers in a criminal case trying to prove that the accused person is guilty

The prosecution will try to prove it was murder.

Law Dictionary

prosecution

noun pros·e·cu·tion \ ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən \

legal Definition of prosecution

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 3, plaintiff