prosecute

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Doublet of pursue, from Old French. Compare also persecute.

verb

1. (transitive, law) To start criminal proceedings against.
   to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot
2. (transitive, law) To charge, try.
3. To seek to obtain by legal process.
   to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law
4. (transitive) To pursue something to the end.
   to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim