"Prosecution" vs. "persecution": a case of confusing words

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 26/05/2025, 21:03

English.me team member

Prosecution and persecution. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words refer to actions directed towards someone, often involving accusation or treatment considered negative or harmful.

What is different?

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.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

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.