pro ‧ ceed ‧ ing W2 AC /prəˈsiːdɪŋ/ BrE AmE noun
1 . the proceedings ( also the proceeding ) an event or a series of things that happen:
We watched the proceedings in the street below.
At this point in the proceedings, my doctor offered me a choice.
2 . [countable usually plural] when someone uses a court of law to deal with a legal case
begin/open/take proceedings (against somebody)
She has begun divorce proceedings.
John is taking legal proceedings against his ex-partner.
3 . the proceedings formal the official written records of a meeting, society etc
the proceedings of
the proceedings of the conference
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ take/bring proceedings
You may take proceedings to enforce payment.
▪ begin/start proceedings ( also institute proceedings formal )
They threatened to begin legal proceedings against him.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + proceedings
▪ legal proceedings
He wanted to avoid the expense and trouble of legal proceedings.
▪ criminal proceedings
One of the businessmen is facing criminal proceedings.
▪ civil proceedings (=not relating to a criminal charge)
The couple say they will take civil proceedings against the medics for professional misconduct.
▪ divorce proceedings
His wife had threatened to start divorce proceedings.
▪ bankruptcy proceedings
She faced criminal charges in addition to bankruptcy proceedings.