noun (n)

• the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  criminal prosecution
  Antonym:
  defence, defense, demurrer, denial
  

  source: wordnet30
• the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant(noun.group)

  Antonym:
  defence, defense, defense lawyers, defense team
  

  source: wordnet30
• the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  pursuance
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act or process of prosecuting, or of endeavoring to gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body or mind; as, the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design, or undertaking; the prosecution of war.(noun)

  source: webster1913