[pros.e.cute] vb -cut.ed ; -cut.ing [ME, fr. L prosecutus, pp. of prosequi to pursue--more at pursue] vt (15c) 1: to follow to the end: pursue until finished "was ... ordered to ~ the war with ... vigor --Marjory S. Douglas"
2: to engage in: perform 3 a: to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law "prosecuted them for fraud" b: to institute legal proceedings with reference to "~ a claim" ~ vi: to institute and carry on a legal suit or prosecution -- pros.e.cut.able adj