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

The outcome will decide whether federal prosecutors can end major corporate-crime cases through non-prosecution agreements with limited judicial oversight, or whether victims can compel deeper accountability when admitted misconduct contributes to mass casualties. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

Epstein was investigated by federal and state officials in Florida in the 2000s, which ended with him pleading guilty to state-level prosecution charges. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

From pariah to power broker The Crown Prince’s grip on power has insulated him from international prosecution. —Connor Greene, Time, 17 Nov. 2025

This includes all materials related to investigations, prosecutions or custodial matters involving Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including flight logs and travel records, and individuals named or referenced in the inquiry. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 17 Nov. 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