Definitions for: Prosecute


[v] carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in; "She pursued many activities"; "They engaged in a discussion"
[v] bring a criminal action against (in a trial); "The State of California prosecuted O.J. Simpson"
[v] conduct a prosecution in a court of law



Webster (1913) Definition: Pros"e*cute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosecuted; p.
pr. & vb. n. Prosecuting.] [L. prosecutus, p. p. of
prosequi to follow, pursue. See Pursue.]
1. To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or
accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry
on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or
claim.

I am beloved Hermia; Why should not I, then,
prosecute my right ? --Shak.

2. To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a
right or a claim in a court of law.

3. (Law) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse
of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress
or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against
judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a
riot.

To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes.
--Milton.


Pros"e*cute, v. i.
1. To follow after. [Obs.] --Latimer.

2. (Law) To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as,
to prosecute for public offenses. --Blackstone.

Synonyms: engage, pursue

Antonyms: defend, represent

See Also: act, close, move, politick

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