Prŏs'e-cūte1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. PROSECUTED; p. pr. & vb. n. PROSECUTING.] [Lat. prosequi, prosecutus, from pro, forward, and sequi, to follow; It. proseguire, proseguitare, Sp. proseguir, Fr. poursuivre.]
Sense 1. To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme; to prosecute an undertaking.
I am beloved of beauteous Hermia: Why should I not, then, prosecute my right? Shak.
That which is morally good is to be desired and prosecuted. Wilkins.
Sense 2. To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right in a court of law.
Sense 3. (Law.) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass or for a riot. “To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes.” Milton.
☞ To prosecute differs from to persecute, as in law it is applied to the legal proceedings only, whereas persecute implies cruelty, injustice, or oppression.