Persecute vs. Prosecute
“Persecute” and “prosecute” look similar but mark very different actions. Persecution is persistent hostile or unfair treatment, whereas prosecution is the legal process of bringing or conducting a case.
Use “persecute” for persistent hostile or cruel treatment; use “prosecute” for legal proceedings.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| subject someone to persistent hostile, cruel, or unfair treatment | persecute | Use “persecute.” |
| bring or conduct legal proceedings against someone | prosecute | Use “prosecute.” |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the sentence about legal proceedings?
If yes: Use “prosecute.”
If no: Use “persecute” for persistent hostile or cruel treatment.
Examples
The minority was persecuted for its beliefs.
“Persecuted” describes hostile or cruel treatment.
The authorities decided to prosecute the suspect.
“Prosecute” refers to legal proceedings.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Persecute” means to subject someone to persistent cruel or unfair treatment, often because of identity or beliefs; “prosecute” commonly means to bring or conduct legal proceedings against someone.
Usage Boundary
“Prosecute” also has broader senses of carrying an activity through, but the legal sense is the key contrast with “persecute.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- persecute — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Definition of persecute for persistent cruel or unfair treatment, often because of identity or beliefs
- prosecute — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Definition of prosecute for bringing or conducting legal proceedings