Prosecute
/ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo bring legal action against someone in a court of law.
/ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/
To institute legal proceedings against a person or organization.
The district attorney will prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law.
💡 Simply: It's like when the police take someone to court and try to prove they did something wrong. Like, the police might prosecute a thief who stole something.
👶 For kids: To tell the judge someone did something bad and should get in trouble.
More Examples
They decided not to prosecute because of lack of evidence.
The government is prosecuting the company for tax evasion.
How It's Used
"The state decided to prosecute the company for environmental violations."
To continue or pursue a course of action.
/ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/
To continue or pursue something.
The team is prosecuting their investigation until they find the truth.
💡 Simply: To keep going with something. Like, if you're learning to play the piano, you might prosecute your practice every day.
👶 For kids: To keep trying to do something.
More Examples
The company will prosecute its research and development efforts.
She prosecuted her plans with unwavering determination.
How It's Used
"She prosecuted her studies diligently despite the challenges."
From Latin *prōsequī* 'to pursue, follow', from *prō-* 'forth' + *sequī* 'to follow'. Originally meant 'to pursue to the end, continue'. Its legal sense developed from the act of pursuing a legal case.
Historically, 'prosecute' was used to describe pursuing a course of action in any field, not just legal contexts. Over time, it has come to primarily refer to legal action.
Memory tip
Imagine a police officer pursuing a criminal in court; to PROSECUTE is to carry the case forward.
Word Origin
"to pursue, follow"