noun

prosecution

pros-ih-KYOO-shun/ˌprɑːsɪˈkjuːʃn/

The active pursuit of an undertaking.

The lawyers organize evidence for the prosecution of the case.

A prosecution team of diverse lawyers organizes evidence folders at a courtroom table facing the judge.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+secuLatinfollow

+tionLatinaction or process

The idea of following forward became pursuing or carrying out an action, then conducting legal proceedings. From the proceedings themselves, prosecution came to name the side that brings the case.

In context

LawInfo.com0:00

To be found guilty of any crime, the prosecution generally must prove that one, the person physically committed the act in question, and two, that the person intended to commit the crime.

How Can a Prosecutor Prove Intent? | LawInfo

More examples

The grant supports the prosecution of her research.
Supply shortages hamper the prosecution of the war.
Careful planning is essential to the prosecution of this work.

Forms

prosecution

prosecute verb — To carry out or pursue an undertaking.

Similar words

pursuit: Emphasizes striving toward a goal rather than carrying out work.
execution: Emphasizes putting a plan into effect rather than sustained pursuit.
continuation: Emphasizes keeping an activity going rather than actively advancing it.