Prosecute Meaning
/ˈpɹɒsɪkjuːt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo start criminal proceedings against.
verbTo charge, try.
Sentence Examples
There are lots of signs warning that they prosecute shoplifters.
The DA said he wouldn't prosecute Tom.
The police decided not to prosecute.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The district attorney decided to ____ the suspect for fraud due to strong evidence.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The state decided to ____ the company for environmental violations that had caused widespread damage.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Doublet of pursue, from Old French. Compare also persecute.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"To acquit themſelves and proſecute their foes"
— 1671, John Milton, “Samson Agonistes, […].”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 56, line 898:
"The Vigilante is prosecuted in Federal Court under a lynch bill and winds up in a Federal Nut House specially designed for the containment of ghosts […]"
— 1962 [1959], William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch, New York: Grove Press, page 8:
"I am beloved of beauteous Hermia; / Why should not I, then, prosecute my right?"
— c. 1595–1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “A Midsommer Nights Dreame”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:
"Nor do we believe that a country that prosecuted two wars in China in the 19th century to force the Chinese to accept opium imports has any moral right to lecture Asians on drugs."
— 2022 October 22, “Ministry of Home Affairs' Response to Sir Richard Branson's Blog Post on 10 October 2022”, in Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore):
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The district attorney decided to ____ the suspect for fraud due to strong evidence.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The state decided to ____ the company for environmental violations that had caused widespread damage.