What does prosecutor mean?
A prosecutor is the lawyer or legal official who brings criminal charges against a person accused of an offence and presents the government's case in court. The prosecutor works on behalf of the state, a federal authority, or another public body, gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing that the defendant is guilty. In the United States, prosecutors include district attorneys and state or federal prosecutors; in Britain and other countries, the term may refer especially to a Crown prosecutor or public prosecutor. Although the role can also be described more generally as “the prosecution,” a prosecutor is the individual lawyer representing that side. The word carries a formal and legal register and is distinct from a defence attorney, who represents the accused.
nounA legal official or lawyer who brings criminal charges against someone and argues the case on behalf of the state or another public authority. In the United States, prosecutors commonly represent federal, state, or local governments in criminal cases.
- A lawyer or legal official who initiates and conducts a criminal prosecution on behalf of the government or another public authority.
- A person or institution that brings a case against another, especially in legal or political contexts.
"The prosecutor presented evidence that showed the defendant had deliberately planned the crime."
"The prosecutor questioned the witness about the events leading up to the alleged assault."
"In many criminal cases, the prosecutor must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt."
The plural is formed by adding the ending -s.
"Prosecutors from several counties reviewed the evidence."
From the same Latin root as “prosecute,” a prosecutor is literally someone who pursues a case: the legal official who carries a criminal accusation through court.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prosecutor come from?
The word comes through Latin from the same root as “prosecute.” Latin prosecutor meant “one who prosecutes” or “one who follows in pursuit,” derived from prosecutus, the past participle of persequi, meaning “to pursue.” The English legal sense developed as the word came to refer to an official who conducts a prosecution.
Related word forms
How prosecutor is actually used
The term is primarily used in legal contexts. In the United States, specific roles are often called a district attorney, state attorney, or federal prosecutor, depending on the jurisdiction and level of government.