<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li><p>(used with object)</p><ul><li>Law. to institute legal proceedings against (a person).</li><li>to seek to enforce or obtain by legal process.</li><li>to conduct criminal proceedings in court against.</li><li>to follow up or carry forward something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion: to prosecute a war.</li><li>to carry on or practice.</li></ul></li><li><p>(used without object)</p><ul><li>Law. to institute and carry on a legal prosecution.</li><li>to act as prosecutor.</li></ul></li></ul>