Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of carrying on or continuing something with the aim of completing it: "prosecution" can refer to the diligent continuation of an activity, project, or inquiry.
   • The lawyers acting for the state in a criminal trial: In a legal context, "prosecution" refers to the party that brings a criminal case against a defendant, representing the government or the state.
   • The institution and conduct of legal proceedings against someone for criminal behavior: This meaning encompasses the entire process of initiating and pursuing a criminal case in court.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The prosecution of the investigation required significant resources. (The diligent continuation of the investigation required significant resources.)
  • The prosecution presented its evidence to the jury. (The lawyers representing the state presented its evidence to the jury.)
  • He faced prosecution for fraud. (He faced the institution of legal proceedings for fraud.)

Advanced Usage

• "to bring a prosecution against someone": to initiate legal proceedings against a person.
  • The authorities decided to bring a prosecution against the company.
• "witness for the prosecution": a person who gives evidence in court supporting the state's case against the defendant.
  • The witness for the prosecution testified about what he saw.

Variants and Related Words

• Prosecute (verb): to institute and conduct legal proceedings against someone; to carry on or continue (a task, inquiry).
  • The state decided to prosecute the case.
  • They will prosecute their research with vigor.
• Prosecutor (noun): a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant in a criminal court.
  • The prosecutor asked the judge for a severe sentence.

Synonyms

• Pursuit: the action of following or pursuing something (similar to the "continuance" meaning).
• Pursuance: the carrying out of a plan or action.
• The state/ The Crown (UK) / The government (US): terms referring to the prosecuting party in a criminal trial.

Antonyms

• Defense: the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit.
• Abandonment: the act of giving up or discontinuing something.

Related Phrases

• Malicious prosecution: a tort claim brought by someone who was wrongfully and unsuccessfully prosecuted in a criminal case.
  • He sued the police for malicious prosecution.
• Private prosecution: a criminal proceeding initiated by a private individual or entity rather than a public prosecutor.
  • In some jurisdictions, victims can start a private prosecution.

Noun

1. the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion
2. the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant
3. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior