prosecute
UK: ˈprɒsɪkjuːt | US: ˈprɑːsɪkjuːt
vt. 1. To institute legal proceedings against someone for a criminal offense.
vt. 2. To carry out or continue a course of action with determination.
vt. 3. (Archaic) To pursue or follow persistently.
prosecute = pro<forward> + secu<follow> + te<verb suffix>
- pro<forward>: From Latin pro-, meaning "forward" or "in favor of."
- secu<follow>: From Latin sequi, meaning "to follow."
- te<verb suffix>: A verbal ending in Latin-derived verbs.
Etymology Origin:
The word "prosecute" originates from Latin prosequi ("to pursue, follow forward"), combining pro- (forward) and sequi (to follow). It entered Middle English via Old French prosecuter, initially meaning "to pursue" in a general sense. By the 16th century, it specialized in legal contexts, reflecting the idea of "following through" with legal action. The root sequi also appears in words like "sequence" and "consequence," emphasizing the logic of continuous pursuit.
The state decided to prosecute the suspect for fraud.
Environmental groups are prosecuting their campaign against plastic pollution.
(Archaic) The hounds prosecuted the fox relentlessly.
Failure to comply may lead the company to prosecute for breach of contract.
She vowed to prosecute her goals despite the challenges.