Synonyms for

Prosecuted

Verb / ˈprɑ:sɪˌkju:tɪd / Another word for prosecuted — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To bring legal action against someone accused of a crime.

Synonyms & similar words

prosecute pursue defend engage charge indict sue arrest accuse arraign try impeach cite summon

Synonyms by register

Formal

indicted charged arraigned prosecuted

Informal

sued taken to court put on trial

Literary

pursued hunted

Antonyms

acquitted pardoned exonerated freed absolved cleared vindicated

Common collocations

  • vigorously prosecuted
  • fairly prosecuted
  • prosecuted for
  • prosecuted the case
  • prosecuted the defendant
  • prosecuted the crime

Word family

noun prosecution
verb prosecute
adjective prosecutorial

Usage note

This word specifically refers to the legal process of bringing charges against someone for a crime. It is not typically used in informal contexts outside of legal proceedings.

Example sentences

  1. The police officer prosecuted the thief for stealing the car.
  2. The lawyer decided to prosecute the company for violating labor laws.
  3. The government is determined to prosecute anyone who breaks the law.
  4. The district attorney will prosecute the suspect for murder.
  5. If you break the law, you will be prosecuted.

Quotes

  • It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer. - William Blackstone
  • No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it. - Theodore Roosevelt
  • Justice delayed is justice denied. - William E. Gladstone

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