prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
Synonyms of prosecutionnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 Muslim truck drivers, waiters and tourists were swept into investigations, interrogations and prosecutions that almost invariably led to lesser convictions or, in some cases, fell apart. —Tamara Audi, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 The third suspect was located Monday in El Mirage, was also booked in the juvenile court center and is facing hindering prosecution charges, the news release added. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024 The most recent prosecution under this dormant law was in 1843. —The Editors, National Review, 4 Apr. 2024 Rules are set for a high-profile trial The defense and prosecution have been ordered not to speak about the Chad Daybell case outside of court until opening statements are made or until April 15 — whichever comes first. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 2 Apr. 2024 Judges, witnesses, prosecutors increasingly warn of threats to democracy in 2024 elections as Jan. 6 prosecutions continue In 2022, Nicholas John Roske was accused of trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024 The civil rights lawsuit was filed in 2021 and alleged false arrest, unreasonable seizure and malicious prosecution. —Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024 Trump currently faces legal troubles including four criminal prosecutions. —Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2024 The state’s legislature also weighed in on the issue in early March with legislation attempting to protect IVF providers and patients from prosecution. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prosecution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosecution was in 1545

Phrases Containing prosecution

Dictionary Entries Near prosecution

prosecuting attorney

prosecution

prosecutor

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Prosecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosecution. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

prosecution

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
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 How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on prosecution

Nglish: Translation of prosecution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of prosecution for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prosecution

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