Definition of PROSECUTION

prosecution

Meanings

Plural: prosecutions

Noun

  • the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
  • the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant
  • the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion
  • The act of prosecuting a scheme or endeavor.
  • The institution of legal proceedings (particularly criminal) against a person.
  • The prosecuting party.
  • In many countries, a legal body and institution, usually part of the state apparatus, empowered to perform prosecution. Prosecutor's Office. See Prosecutor.

Origin / Etymology

Equivalent to prosecute + -ion, from Middle French prosecution, from Late Latin prōsecutio, from Latin prōsequor (“follow, pursue”), from pro- (“onward”) + sequor (“follow”) (English sequel). Compare persecution, and see more at prosecute.

Synonyms

criminal prosecution, pursuance

Antonyms

defense

Scrabble Score: 15

prosecution is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
prosecution is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
prosecution is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

prosecution is a valid Words With Friends word