prosecute
prosecute
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "prosecute" (in American English) is:
/ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
pros (ˈprɒs)
/ˈ/: stress marker (placed before the first vowel sound)
/pr/: consonant blend (p + r)
/ɒ/: short open "o" sound (like in "hot")
/s/: voiceless alveolar fricative (s sound)
e (ɪ)
/ɪ/: short close "i" sound (like in "bit")
cute (kjuːt)
/k/: voiceless velar plosive (k sound)
/j/: voiced palatal approximant (y sound)
/uː/: long close "oo" sound (like in "boot")
Word Form Variations
"Prosecute" itself doesn't have variations for singular and plural since it's a verb. However, it does have different verb forms depending on its tense:
Present tense:
Singular (I/you/we/they): prosecutes
Third-person singular (he/she/it): prosecutes
Past tense: prosecuted
Present participle (ing form): prosecuting
Past participle: prosecuted (also used for the perfect tenses)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
Definition:
To formally accuse someone of a crime and bring legal proceedings against them in court. (Most common legal sense)
Synonyms: indict, charge, arraign, sue (in criminal context)
Antonyms: exonerate, acquit, pardon
To carry on or pursue a lawsuit, civil or criminal, to its conclusion. (Less common legal sense)
Synonyms: sue, litigate, plead
Antonyms: drop (charges), dismiss (a case)
To actively pursue or carry something forward to completion. (General usage)
Synonyms: pursue, continue, carry on, press on
Antonyms: abandon, discontinue, halt
Note: "Prosecute" is most commonly used in a legal context, referring to criminal proceedings.
Examples of Use
Books:
Legal Thriller: "The prosecutor vowed to aggressively prosecute the murderer and bring him to justice." (John Grisham, A Time to Kill)
Historical Fiction: "Joan of Arc was accused of heresy and prosecuted by the Church." (Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth)
Newspapers:
Headline: "Authorities to Prosecute Driver in Deadly Hit-and-Run Accident" (The New York Times)
Article: "The government is under pressure to prosecute the corrupt officials involved in the embezzlement scandal." (The Washington Post)
Online Publications:
Legal Blog: "Understanding the Different Ways a Case Can Be Prosecuted" (American Bar Association website)
Social Media Post: "We need to hold these corporations accountable and prosecute them for environmental damage." (Twitter post)
Entertainment Mediums:
TV Show (Crime Drama): "The detectives are working tirelessly to gather evidence and prosecute the serial killer." (Law & Order)
Movie (Legal Drama): "The lawyer argued passionately for his client's innocence, hoping to prevent her from being prosecuted." (Erin Brockovich)
General Public Discourse:
Political Debate: "One candidate argued for tougher penalties and more aggressive prosecution of criminals."
Community Meeting: "Residents expressed concerns about the lack of prosecution for repeated noise violations in the neighbourhood."
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Prosecute
While "prosecute" is a common word, it's less frequent in famous quotes due to its specific legal context. Here are 10 quotes that capture the essence of "prosecute" in different ways, though some may not directly use the word itself:
"Justice delayed is justice denied." (William Gladstone) - This quote implies the importance of swift legal proceedings, which can involve prosecuting criminals.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke) - This quote highlights the need to actively pursue justice (potentially through prosecution) against wrongdoing.
"An injustice done to one is a threat to all." (Thomas Jefferson) - This emphasises the societal importance of prosecuting crimes to maintain order.
"Where there is a wrong, there is a remedy." (John Selden) - This quote suggests that prosecution can be a solution to addressing wrongs.
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." (Gloria Steinem) - This quote, though not directly about prosecution, captures the potential discomfort that pursuing justice (through prosecution) can bring.
"Without forgiveness life is a living hell." (Publilius Syrus) - This quote, the opposite of seeking prosecution, highlights the power of forgiveness.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold." (Star Trek) - This quote, though fictional, implies a calculated pursuit of justice, which can be seen as a form of "prosecution."
"The law is no respecter of persons." (William Blackstone) - This legal principle suggests everyone is subject to prosecution, regardless of status.
"Let the punishment fit the crime." (Alexander Pope) - This quote emphasises the importance of fair prosecution and proportionate consequences.
"Ignorance of the law excuses no one." (Black's Law Dictionary) - This legal principle implies that everyone is accountable to the law, and can potentially be prosecuted for breaking it.
Etymology
The word "prosecute" comes from an old Roman road trip! Imagine yourself in a chariot, following someone closely (like tailing them). That's the root meaning of "prosecute" - to follow after something.
The Latin word for "follow after" was "prosequi," and "prosecute" is a descendant of that word, entering English sometime in the 1400s. Over time, the meaning of "prosecute" narrowed down to following someone in a legal sense, like pursuing a criminal charge in court.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Prosecute
Prosecution: This is the most common phrase, referring to the legal party bringing charges against someone in court.
Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law: This means to pursue all possible legal options and seek the harshest possible punishment.
Mount a prosecution: This implies building a strong legal case against someone.
The prosecution rests: This is a legal term used in court when the prosecution has finished presenting its evidence.
To the fullest prosecution: (Less common variation of "to the fullest extent of the law")
Vigorously prosecute: This means to pursue a case with great energy and determination.
Threaten with prosecution: This means to warn someone that legal action will be taken against them if they don't comply.
Open to prosecution: (Figurative) This means that an idea or argument might be flawed and could be challenged or debated.
Idioms (figurative uses):
Prosecute a war: This means to actively wage a war, carrying out military operations.
Prosecute a course of study: This means to diligently pursue a particular area of learning or education.
Posts Related to Prosecute
Source Information
Definition of prosecute from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
