"prosecute" , "sue" ,"accuse" and "charge" Firstly the details will vary with location. "accuse" I accuse you of theft. An accusation. I say that you did something. Officials may accuse you of something illegal. "The accused" is the one the officials suspect was the perpetrator of some crime. Since you have been accused of misconduct, you are suspended from active duty until this is resolved. "charge" The process of formally saying that you are a suspect and that thyey will prosecute you for a specific crime or crimes. Name; You are formally charged with ... The state has chosen to charge all protesters identified from recordings of the riots. They will be required to return to court for trial in April. "prosecute" If there seems to be a case to answer, evidence suggesting that you did the crime, officials may choose to prosecute you, take you to court, try you, have a trial where you are "the accused". And there, decide whether you are proven guilty, or not proven guilty. And if guilty what sentence you might be given. The state has chosen to prosecute all protesters identified from recordings of the riots. If found guilty, it can be said that you were prosecuted for ...whatever. "sue" Demand money form you, in court. Usually money, but you can sue for other things, such as a service. I fixed the drain as you asked. YOu didn't pay. I'm going to sue for the money. What you said was untrue and damaged my reputation causing loss of income. I'll be sueing for damages. (compensation) In other contexts, "charge" can mean other things, such as run towards, fill with fuel, prime, fill a battery, ...

Note that 'prosecute' and 'charge' are things that are usually done by the state. 'sue' is done by an individual. 'accuse' can be done by either.