prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən 

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

Synonyms

• execution
• fulfilment
• implementation
• perpetration
• fulfillment

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

Deferred prosecution programs are designed for individuals who have committed less serious offenses, often first-time offenders, and offer them a chance to avoid a criminal conviction. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025

The outcome could redefine how far the Justice Department may go in pursuing high-ranking officials for statements made in oversight settings, testing public confidence in whether such prosecutions serve justice or politics. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

The Boston police union may have a point about the lack of prosecution of anti-cop rioters in and around the city. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2025

But the case holds lessons about the nature of antifa and could potentially be looked to nationally as a road map for prosecution. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prosecution

• testify for the defense/prosecution
• the prosecution

Rhymes for prosecution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Kids Definition

prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən 

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 

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