persecute

[ pur-si-kyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, per·se·cut·ed, per·se·cut·ing.

1. to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

   Synonyms: torment, torture, afflict

2. to annoy or trouble persistently.

   Synonyms: pester, bother, vex, badger, worry

persecute

/ ˈpɜːsɪˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to oppress, harass, or maltreat, esp because of race, religion, etc
2. to bother persistently

Derived Forms

• ˈperseˌcutor, noun
• ˈperseˌcutive, adjective

Other Words From

• per·se·cut·ing·ly adverb
• per·se·cu·tive adjective
• per·se·cu·tive·ness noun
• per·se·cu·tor noun
• per·se·cu·to·ry [pur, -si-kyoo-t, uh, -ree, -ky, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• non·per·se·cut·ing adjective
• non·per·se·cu·tive adjective
• non·per·se·cu·to·ry adjective
• o·ver·per·se·cute verb (used with object) overpersecuted overpersecuting
• un·per·se·cut·ing adjective
• un·per·se·cu·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecute¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English; back formation from persecutour “persecutor,” ultimately from Late Latin persecūtor originally “prosecutor,” equivalent to persecū-, variant stem of persequī “to prosecute, pursue closely” + -tor; per-, sequence, -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecute¹

C15: from Old French persecuter, back formation from persecuteur, from Late Latin persecūtor pursuer, from persequī to take vengeance upon

Example Sentences

Gabbard and Trump share a weird affection for Vladimir Putin but they also share a belief that they are being persecuted by the U.S.

From Salon

"It is seeking to persecute and take revenge on Marine Le Pen."

From BBC

He has also promised to fire senior military officers whose political views he dislikes and to purge the CIA and the FBI, accusing both agencies of “persecuting” conservatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Impeached twice and a convicted felon who faces more trials, Trump has said that he, and by extension his loyalists, have been persecuted by a “wacko” and unfair state.

From Los Angeles Times

They will persecute you for your Christian faith.

From Salon

Related Words

• expel
• harass
• hound
• injure
• maltreat
• molest
• oppress
• outrage
• pick on
• pursue
• torture
• victimize