transitive verb prosecuted -·cut′ed, prosecuting -·cut′·ing

1. to follow up or pursue (something) to a conclusion to prosecute a war with vigor
2. to carry on; engage in
3. 1. to institute legal proceedings against, or conduct criminal proceedings in court against
   2. to try to get, enforce, etc. by legal process to prosecute a claim

Etymology: ME prosecuten < L prosecutus, pp. of prosequi < pro-, pro- + sequi, to follow: see sequent

intransitive verb

1. to institute and carry on a legal suit
2. to act as prosecutor