B2verbformallawcrime
US/ˈprɑː.sə.kjuːt/
UK/ˈprɒs.ɪ.kjuːt/
to officially accuse someone of a crime in court and try to prove they are guilty
In context
The company was prosecuted for dumping toxic waste into the river.
Shoplifters will be prosecuted, the sign at the entrance warned.
There was not enough evidence to prosecute the bank's former director.
Words that go with prosecute
verb + preposition
- prosecuted forTwo officials were prosecuted for taking bribes from contractors.
- prosecuted underHe was prosecuted under the new cybersecurity law.
adverb + verb
- successfully prosecuteIt is very hard to successfully prosecute cybercriminals who operate abroad.
verb + noun
- prosecute offendersThe new unit will prosecute offenders who sell fake medicine.
- prosecute the caseShe was chosen to prosecute the case because of her experience with fraud.
- prosecute war crimesAn international court was set up to prosecute war crimes.