prosecution

[pros-i-kyoo-shuhn]

noun

1. Law.

   1. the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.

   2. the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.

2. the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

prosecution

/ ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted

2. 1. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person

   2. the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial

3. the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence

4. the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion

Other Word Forms

• nonprosecution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecution¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin prōsecūtiōn-, stem of prōsecūtiō “follow-up”; equivalent to prosecute + -ion

Example Sentences

The prosecution alleges Mr Linehan "relentlessly" posted abusive comments about Sophia Brooks, 18, on social media last October, before throwing her phone in a road.

From BBC

Miss Culley is detained while prosecution and defence lawyers discuss whether a deal can be made for her release.

From BBC

On 2 July prosecution and defence lawyers in the Elias Morgan case appeared at Preston Crown Court to raise with Mr Justice Goose a post from Jenrick that they feared could have influenced jurors.

From BBC

He also said "we are all - let's be honest - quite anxious" about some of the arrests and prosecutions over comments online.

From BBC

No arrests or prosecutions have been made in connection with incidents, although the police say investigations are under way.

From BBC

Related Words

• government 
• prosecutor