C1nounformal3K

Prosecution

UK /["/ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃn/"]/US /["/ˌprɑːsɪˈkjuːʃn/"]/

Definition

the process of trying to prove in court that somebody is guilty of a crime (= of prosecuting them); the process of being officially charged with a crime in court

In simple words: The act of taking someone to court for a crime.

Examples

  • Prosecution for a first minor offence rarely leads to imprisonment.
  • He threatened to bring a private prosecution against the doctor.
  • He was a **witness for the prosecution**.
  • The prosecution has/have failed to prove its/their case.
  • defence and prosecution
  • a prosecution lawyer

Usage notes

Generally used in legal contexts. Appropriate when discussing legal actions, courtroom procedures, or justice systems. Not commonly used in casual conversations about general topics.

Grammar pattern

prosecution + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'pro-secute' — a lawyer is seeking justice in a public court.

Collocations

  • criminal
  • federal
  • private
  • bring
  • initiate
  • be liable to
  • prosecution against
  • prosecution for
  • immunity from prosecution
  • prove something
  • allege something
  • claim something
  • case
  • evidence
  • counsel
  • for the prosecution

Synonyms

  • legal action
  • litigation
  • trial
  • case
  • criminal charges

Antonyms

  • defense

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'persecution', which involves mistreatment rather than legal actions.
  • Using 'prosecution' in non-legal contexts, leading to misunderstanding.
  • Omitting the 'of' when mentioning the subject being prosecuted.