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 of prosecution

• execution
• 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

After Nixon resigned in disgrace, President Ford pardoned him, blocking any chance of prosecution. — Elizabeth Holtzman, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Brianna Willis, 34, and Joseph Kitara each face one count of abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence in felony prosecution, according to two Saline County charging documents. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

The request to dismiss without prejudice left open the possibility of a future prosecution. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Scharf was part of the team that put forth arguments to the Supreme Court in 2024 over whether Presidents should have immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in Office. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

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