Prosecute Definition

prŏsĭ-kyo͝ot
prosecuted, prosecutes, prosecuting
verb
prosecuted, prosecutes, prosecuting
To initiate or conduct a criminal case against.
Prosecute a defendant for murder.
American Heritage
To institute and carry on a legal suit.
Webster's New World
To initiate or conduct (a civil case or legal action).
Prosecute a lawsuit for libel.
American Heritage
To act as prosecutor.
Webster's New World
To follow up or pursue (something) to a conclusion.
To prosecute a war with vigor.
Webster's New World

Origin of Prosecute

  • Middle English prosecuten from Latin prōsequī prōsecūt- prō- forward pro–1 sequī to follow sekw-1 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Compare persecute.

    From Wiktionary

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