noun

prosecutor

PRAH-sih-kyoo-ter/ˈprɑːsɪkjuːtər/

A lawyer who brings criminal cases on behalf of the government.

The prosecutor presents evidence against the defendant in court.

A prosecutor presents bagged criminal evidence to a judge from a separate counsel table, facing an accused person seated with a defense lawyer and guarded by a uniformed court officer.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+secuLatinfollow

+torLatinone who acts

A prosecutor was originally someone who followed through on or pursued a purpose. That broad idea narrowed to someone who pursues a case in court, giving the title its legal meaning.

In context

The Hill263:51

I was a prosecutor for five years.

Happening Now: Bowser, DC Officials Testify Before House On Oversight Of Nation’s Capital

More examples

The prosecutor asks the witness what she saw.
Prosecutors must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecutor drops the charges after reviewing new evidence.

Forms

prosecutor · prosecutors

prosecute verb — Bring a criminal case against someone.

prosecution noun — The act of pursuing a criminal case.

Similar words

district attorney: A local government official who typically leads a prosecution office.
attorney: A broader term for lawyers, including those defending clients.