persecute vs prosecute
persecute
Definitions
verb
- cause to suffer
Examples
There has been terrorism in the world, more or less nonstop, since twelfth-century Syria, when a persecuted Persian religious sect called the Assassins knifed people to death in crowds.
The Puritans left England to escape being persecuted.
Some religious groups are persecuted in some countries
prosecute
Definitions
verb
- carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
- conduct a prosecution in a court of law
- bring a criminal action against (in a trial)
Examples
Nearly 40 parents were prosecuted for their child's non-attendance.
He may be prosecuted for revealing secrets about the security agency.
Universal jurisdiction entitles a state to prosecute an offence even in the absence of any connection based on nationality, territory, or the protective principle.
