v. 25B6; verb
they prosecute offenders : TAKE TO COURT, bring/institute legal proceedings against, bring an action against, take legal action against, sue, try, bring to trial, put on trial, put in the dock, bring a suit against, indict, arraign; N. Amer. impeach; informal have the law on.
they helped him prosecute the war : PURSUE, fight, wage, carry on, conduct, direct, engage in, proceed with, continue (with), keep on with.
defend, let off, give up.