prosecute
word
/ˈpɹɑsəkˌjut/
PRAHS-uh-kyoot
/pɹˈɒsɪkjˌuːt/
PROS-i-kyoot
Definition
To officially bring someone to court for a crime and try to prove they are guilty. It can also mean to continue with an activity.
Usage & Nuances
Formal/legal term. Main usage is in law: 'prosecute a crime', 'the state will prosecute'. Not the same as 'persecute' (to mistreat). Informally, 'prosecute' can mean to continue doing something ('prosecute the investigation'), but this is uncommon.
Spanish: procesar - enjuiciarPortuguese (BR): processar - acusarPortuguese (PT): processar - acusarChinese (Simplified): 起诉 - 检举Chinese (Traditional): 起訴 - 檢舉Hindi: अभियोग चलाना - मुकदमा करनाArabic: مقاضاة - رفع دعوىBengali: মোকদ্দমা করা - অভিযুক্ত করাRussian: привлекать к ответственности - возбуждать уголовное делоJapanese: 起訴するVietnamese: khởi tố - truy tốKorean: 기소하다 - 고소하다Turkish: dava açmak - kovuşturmakUrdu: مقدمہ چلاناIndonesian: menuntut - mengadili
Example Sentences
Only the government can prosecute serious crimes.
basic
They will prosecute anyone who breaks the law.
basic
The company decided not to prosecute after reaching an agreement.
natural
It's not always easy to prosecute financial crimes.
natural
The lawyer explained why the district attorney chose not to prosecute.
natural
The police decided to prosecute the man for theft.
basic