prosecute - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prosecute Word Meanings
- to carry out legal action against someone
- to continue with an activity or process
- to engage in a legal pursuit for punishment
prosecute Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prosecute Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈprɒs.ɪ.kjuːt/
US
/ˈprɑː.sɪ.kjuːt/
prosecute Word Etymology
pro- = forward + secut- = follow (from Latin secutus); Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a lawyer tirelessly following a case forward through the courts, ensuring justice is served.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set my palm on the desk, move a stack of papers to the left, and keep the pace steady as the task takes shape. I push through the questions, pull out the key facts, and adjust my stance as the case shifts. The moment narrows to a decision, and I decide to prosecute, to carry the action toward the courtroom. That choice feels like a deliberate turn of direction, turning intention into real steps in the process.
Real Context
Prosecute means to carry out legal action against someone, typically by filing charges and pursuing a case in court. It is most often used in criminal law, where prosecutors or state attorneys prosecute a suspect, but it can also refer to continuing with a formal process against someone for breach of rights or contracts. The sense of prosecuting a case can also appear in a broader sense, describing a sustained effort to advance a plan or policy in formal terms. The word comes from Latin pro- 'forward' and secutus 'followed', reflecting the idea of moving a case forward through the courts to a resolution. Learners should distinguish the legal sense from more general uses and beware of confusing it with persecute.
Usage Reminders
- - Prosecute mainly refers to legal action in court.\
- - Do not confuse with 'persecute' which means mistreat for prejudice.\
- - Use 'prosecute' when the government or a prosecutor brings a case.\
- - In other contexts, use 'pursue' or 'continue' rather than 'prosecute'.\
- - Check the object: you prosecute a case, not a person or a policy.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing prosecute with persecute; they are not the same in meaning or collocation.
- Thinking prosecute can be used for non-legal pursuits (pursue is usually better).
- Mixing up prosecute with prosecute in civil cases (it is more common in criminal cases).
- Using prosecute with passive subjects (The case was prosecuted by the government) is common but watch for passive voice shifts.
- Believing prosecute means 'to punish' in all contexts; sometimes it simply means to file a case.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (brief meta): Prosecute in English is a formal, legal action often tied to criminal cases; English speakers expect a clear government/prosecutor subject and a case object, with nuance between pursuing in court and punishing.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing legal vs non-legal contexts.
- Remember the subject is often government or prosecutor.
- Pair with 'pursue' for non-legal sense.
- Learn common collocations: prosecute a case, prosecute someone.
- Differentiate from persecute (different meaning and connotation).
- Watch for passive forms: The case was prosecuted.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'prosecute'?
A.Punish
B.Cook
C.Sleep
D.Sing
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'prosecute' correctly?
A.She sings beautifully in the choir.
B.I love cooking new recipes.
C.He punished the criminal for his actions.
D.They all went to sleep early last night.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'prosecute'?
A.Reward
B.Forgive
C.Pursue
D.Support
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'prosecute'?
A.Convict
B.Defend
C.Blame
D.Accuse
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you typically see 'prosecute' being used?
A.At a restaurant ordering food
B.In a courtroom during a trial
C.During a music concert
D.At a sports event cheering for a team
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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