Persecute vs Prosecute: Which One Do You Need?
To persecute is to harass unjustly. To prosecute is to bring a legal case.
A minority persecuted for its beliefs. He was prosecuted for fraud.
The test that settles it
Ask whether a court is involved. Courts prosecute; oppressors persecute.
“___ under the Act” → a legal case, so prosecuted.
“___ for their faith” → unjust treatment, so persecuted.
Persecute: to oppress
To subject someone to sustained hostility, usually because of who they are. It is always unjust, and it is not a legal process.
The community was persecuted for decades.
Journalists persecuted by the regime.
She felt persecuted by the constant criticism.
Swap in oppress. If it works, persecute.
Prosecute: to take to court
To conduct legal proceedings against someone. It also has an older sense of carrying something out — to prosecute a war.
The company was prosecuted for pollution.
Trespassers will be prosecuted.
The case was prosecuted vigorously.
Is there a court? Then prosecute.
Side by side
| Persecute | Prosecute |
|---|---|
| Oppress | Take to court |
| Unjust by definition | A legal process |
| Prefix per-, through | Prefix pro-, forward |
| Persecuted for belief | Prosecuted for theft |
The exception
The phrase uses the oppression word, and describes a belief that one is being singled out unfairly. It is not a legal term.
The legal noun is prosecution, which also names the side bringing the case: the prosecution rested.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| He was persecuted for tax evasion. | He was prosecuted for tax evasion. | A legal case. |
| Refugees fleeing prosecution. | Refugees fleeing persecution. | Oppression. |
| the persecution case against him | the prosecution case against him | The legal side. |
| Shoplifters will be persecuted. | Shoplifters will be prosecuted. | The sign means court. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- Three directors were ___ for fraud.
- They fled ___ in their home country.
- The ___ called its first witness.
- Minorities were systematically ___.
- Offenders will be ___.
Show the answers
1. prosecuted 2. persecution 3. prosecution 4. persecuted 5. prosecuted
Frequently asked
Which is the common slip?
Persecuted for a court case, especially in headlines. The prefixes are the reliable guide.
Do they share a root?
Both come from Latin sequi, to follow — one following through with hostility, the other following through with a case.
More words people confuse
