Prosecution vs. persecution: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Prosecution refers to the legal process of charging someone with a crime and trying them in court. Persecution refers to persistent and unfair treatment, often because of identity, beliefs, or membership in a group, and is not a legal process.
What they have in common
Both words refer to actions directed towards someone, often involving accusation or treatment considered negative or harmful.
Examples
prosecution
- The prosecution presented new evidence during the trial.
- She faced prosecution for tax evasion.
- The lawyer was working for the prosecution.
persecution
- Many fled their country to escape religious persecution.
- He suffered persecution because of his political beliefs.
- Persecution of minorities remains a serious issue in some regions.
Which one is more common?
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