malicious prosecution

noun

1. : the tort of initiating a criminal prosecution or civil suit against another party with malice and without probable cause; also : an action for damages based on this tort brought after termination of the proceedings in favor of the party seeking damages — called also malicious use of process; ; compare abuse of process : an action for damages based on this tort brought after termination of the proceedings in favor of the party seeking damages — called also malicious use of process; ; compare abuse of process