ˈpräsə̇ˌkyüt, -sēˌ-, usu -üd.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English prosecuten, from Latin prosecutus, past participle of prosequi to follow, follow after, pursue — more at pursue
transitive verb
1.
a. : to follow to the end : press to execution or completion : pursue until finished
was now ordered to prosecute the war with the utmost vigor — Marjory S. Douglas
determined to prosecute the investigation
b. : to develop in detail : go further into : investigate
its central topic, sensation … continued to be prosecuted wherever the young science took root — F.A.Geldard
2. : to engage in or proceed with : carry on : perform
long-lining is prosecuted mainly by Cornish fishermen — G.A.Steven
prosecuted wool-growing on a large scale — H.E.Starr
3.
[Late Latin prosecutus, past participle of prosequi, from Latin]
a. : to institute legal proceedings against ; especially : to accuse of some crime or breach of law or to pursue for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law in due legal form before a legal tribunal
prosecuted them for fraud
b. : to institute legal proceedings with reference to
prosecute a claim
prosecute an application
prosecute an action
prosecute a crime
intransitive verb
: to institute and carry on a legal suit or prosecution : sue
prosecute for public offenses