'prosecutable' originates from the Latin word 'prosecutus,' which is the past participle of 'prosequi,' meaning 'to pursue.'

'prosecutus' transformed into the Old French word 'prosecuter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prosecute,' from which 'prosecutable' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to pursue or follow up,' but over time it evolved into its current legal meaning of 'capable of being prosecuted.'