309 Another Word for Prosecute? – Prosecute Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say prosecute differently? Here are other words for prosecute and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of prosecute

to institute legal proceedings against someone

Etymology of prosecute

The word "prosecute" has its roots in the Latin words "pro" (meaning "on behalf of" or "in favor of") and "sequi" (meaning "to follow"), which together form "prosecutus," the past participle of "prosequi," meaning "to pursue" or "to follow up."
The word entered Middle English through the Old French "prosecuter," and initially meant "to follow up or pursue" in a general sense, before taking on the specific legal meaning it has today.

Synonyms

sue litigate indict arraign try charge accuse bring to justice punish discipline penalize fine convict sentence persecute harass torment pursue haul into court take to court file a lawsuit against bring to trial put on trial hear adjudicate judge condemn castigate censure reprimand rebuke scold reproach blame criticize attack assail impugn impeach denounce vilify excoriate pillory prosecute chastise rebuke reprove reproach upbraid berate lecture admonish warn caution threaten intimidate coerce compel force constrain obligate bind restrict limit confine restrain hinder obstruct block impede delay suspend stay halt stop terminate end discontinue abolish repeal annul void invalidate quash squelch suppress stifle muzzle gag silence quiet still hush mute deafen drown overpower overwhelm crush devastate ruin destroy demolish ravage wreck shatter smash pulverize annihilate exterminate eradicate eliminate extinguish exterminate

Definitions

  • To institute legal proceedings against someone, typically with the aim of punishing them for an offense or obtaining compensation for a wrong.
  • * To carry out or undertake a particular activity or task with determination and energy.

Usage Examples

  • The government will prosecute anyone found guilty of tax evasion.
  • * She was determined to prosecute her claim for compensation.
  • * The company will prosecute the development of the new product with vigor.

Antonyms

defend protect shield guard safeguard preserve conserve save rescue deliver exempt immune pardon reprieve acquit exculpate exonerate vindicate justify excuse condone forgive absolve dismiss drop abandon relinquish surrender yield cease stop desist refrain forbear waive release liberate free discharge clear acquit purge cleanse purify redeem restore reinstate

Related Nouns

prosecution prosecutor lawsuit trial court judge jury verdict sentence punishment penalty fine crime offense misdemeanor felony indictment arraignment accusation allegation complaint plaintiff defendant witness evidence testimony lawyer attorney advocate solicitor barrister justice law legislation statute regulation rule guideline standard criterion

Related Verbs

sue litigate indict arraign try charge accuse punish discipline penalize fine convict sentence persecute harass torment pursue haul bring take file hear adjudicate judge condemn castigate censure reprimand rebuke scold reproach blame criticize attack assail impugn impeach denounce vilify excoriate pillory chastise rebuke reprove reproach upbraid berate lecture admonish warn caution threaten intimidate coerce compel force constrain obligate bind restrict limit confine restrain hinder obstruct block impede delay suspend stay halt stop terminate end discontinue abolish repeal annul void invalidate quash squelch suppress stifle muzzle gag silence quiet still hush mute deafen drown overpower overwhelm crush devastate ruin destroy demolish ravage wreck shatter smash pulverize annihilate exterminate
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