Synonyms for

Prosecuting

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

Definition

To bring a criminal case against someone in a court of law and try to prove that they are guilty of a crime.

Synonyms & similar words

defend prosecute pursue engage accusing indicting charging arraigning trying suing litigating impeaching citing

Synonyms by register

Formal

prosecuting litigating charging indicting

Informal

going after nailing pinning on

Literary

accusing arraigning

Antonyms

defending acquitting pardoning exonerating absolving clearing

Common collocations

  • prosecuting attorney
  • prosecuting a case
  • prosecuting officer
  • prosecuting counsel
  • prosecuting the defendant
  • prosecuting the crime
  • prosecuting the investigation

Word family

noun prosecution
verb prosecute
adjective prosecutorial
adverb prosecutorially

Usage note

This word is primarily used in a legal context to describe the act of bringing legal action against someone. It is not typically used in informal conversation outside of legal discussions.

Example sentences

  1. The district attorney is prosecuting the suspect for robbery.
  2. The police arrested the suspect and he is being prosecuted for fraud.
  3. The witness will be called to testify during the prosecuting attorney's case.
  4. The victim hopes the prosecuting attorney will win the case.
  5. The defense attorney is trying to prove the prosecuting attorney's case is weak.

Quotes

  • The power to prosecute is the power to destroy. - J. Reuben Clark
  • The first duty of a prosecuting attorney is to seek justice, not convictions. - Marilyn Mosby
  • Prosecuting a case is like building a house. It needs a foundation, walls, and a roof. - Jerry W. Blackwell

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