persecuted

[ pur-si-kyoo-tid ]

adjective

1. persistently harassed or oppressed, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation:

   Having been raised in a frequently persecuted faith, the idea of any state religion makes me very nervous.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of persecute ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·per·se·cut·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecuted¹

persecute ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

"The eagles were persecuted because they were a threat to our fish stock."

From BBC

"Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted," Ntshavheni said.

From BBC

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

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

Many of Rogan’s questions and comments fed the Trumpian narrative that he’s been unfairly persecuted by his enemies, the big disrupter who the “establishment” and the “deep state” fears and are trying to take down.

From Salon

Related Words

• abused
• destitute
• distressed
• enslaved
• exploited
• helpless