prosecutor
UK: ˈprɒsɪkjuːtə | US: ˈprɑːsɪkjuːtər
n. a legal representative who officially accuses someone of committing a crime, especially in a court of law
n. a person or group that pursues legal action against another
prosecutor = pro<forward> + secut<follow> + or<agent noun suffix>
- pro<forward>: From Latin pro-, meaning "forward" or "in favor of."
- secut<follow>: From Latin sequi (past participle secutus), meaning "to follow."
- or<agent noun suffix>: A suffix denoting a person who performs an action (e.g., "actor," "creator").
Etymology Origin:
The word "prosecutor" originates from Latin prosequi ("to pursue, follow forward"), combining pro- (forward) and sequi (to follow). It entered English via Old French prosecuter, evolving to describe someone who legally "follows through" or pursues a case against another. The term reflects the adversarial nature of legal systems, where the prosecutor advances accusations on behalf of the state.
The prosecutor presented compelling evidence against the defendant.
She became a prosecutor to fight for justice in criminal cases.
The defense attorney cross-examined the prosecutor's witness.
The prosecutor filed charges after reviewing the police report.
His reputation as a tough prosecutor earned him respect in the courtroom.