pros ‧ e ‧ cu ‧ tion W3 /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃ ə n $ ˌprɑː-/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable and countable] when a charge is made against someone for a crime, or when someone is judged for a crime in a court of law:
a criminal prosecution
prosecution for
Walters could face prosecution for his role in the robbery.
prosecution of
the prosecution of war criminals
The evidence is not sufficient to bring a prosecution against him.
2 . the prosecution the lawyers who try to prove in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime ⇨ defence :
the chief witness for the prosecution
3 . [uncountable] formal when you do something that is your job:
the prosecution of her duties
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ (a) criminal prosecution
Failure to hand over the documents could result in criminal prosecution.
▪ a private prosecution
The victim's widow is considering a private prosecution.
▪ successful
We do not yet have enough evidence for a successful prosecution.
■ verbs
▪ bring a prosecution against somebody (=prosecute them)
The police did not bring a prosecution against him.
▪ face prosecution
The owners of a golf course are facing prosecution for blocking footpaths.
▪ escape/avoid prosecution
He was lucky to escape prosecution.
■ phrases
▪ be liable to/for prosecution formal (=may be prosecuted)
Businesses which do not meet the standards required are liable for prosecution.
▪ immunity from prosecution formal (=the state of being protected from prosecution)
He gave information to the police in return for immunity from prosecution.