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

That part of the legal theory is crucial to any potential prosecution, as the statute of limitations has long expired for any criminal wrongdoing that may have taken place around the 2016 election. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026

Pressed on the issue during debate in the Senate, Grall cited two criminal prosecutions of noncitizen voting — but said that supported her view of the need for change, not the opponents’ view that there isn’t a major problem. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

The case has been referred to local district attorneys for criminal prosecutions. —Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

The Bureau referred 27 cases for possible criminal prosecution to District Attorneys in 2025, a ninefold increase from 2023. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 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