prosecution

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
Synonyms of prosecution
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
specifically : the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment
2
: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted
3
obsolete : pursuit

Synonyms of prosecution

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Examples of prosecution in a Sentence

There has been an increase in prosecutions for gun-related crimes. The defendant is awaiting prosecution. The prosecution called their first witness. The prosecution rests, Your Honor. The defense told the jury that the prosecution had not proved its case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of the 47, most pleaded guilty while 14 were convicted and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, after a 2024 trial that marked the single largest prosecution of pro-democracy activists under the NSL. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 The panel of 16 jurors, four of whom are alternates, heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses over nine days. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 The 16-member panel, including four alternates, heard nine days of testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 That work feeds federal and state threat assessments, informs social media platforms on how to identify extremist users and content, shapes prevention programs and supplies the evidentiary basis for prosecutions and congressional oversight. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prosecution

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosecution was in 1545

Phrases Containing prosecution

Rhymes for prosecution

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Browse Nearby Words

prosecuting attorney
prosecution
prosecutor
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Cite this Entry

“Prosecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosecution. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prosecution

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
especially : the bringing and continuance of a criminal case
2
: the one bringing charges of crime against a person being tried
especially : the state's lawyers in a criminal case

Legal Definition

prosecution

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tion ˌprä-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce prosecution (audio)
1
: the act or process of prosecuting
especially : the institution and carrying on of a criminal action involving the process of seeking formal charges against a person and pursuing those charges to final judgment
2
: the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted compare defense sense 3, plaintiff

More from Merriam-Webster on prosecution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prosecution

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