persecuted

American  

[pur-si-kyoo-tid] / ˈpɜr sɪˌkyu tɪd /

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.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of persecute.

Other Word Forms

• unpersecuted adjective

Etymology

Origin of persecuted

persecute ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

He testified that he had fled his native Cuba in 2024 after protesting against the government, for which he was jailed, surveilled and persecuted.

From Los Angeles Times

Further investigation revealed a place of worship that evolved as Christians went from being a persecuted minority to enjoying the backing of the Roman Empire.

From The Wall Street Journal

Enver Solomon, chief executive at the Refugee Council, described the government's plans as "harsh and unnecessary", and said they "won't deter people who have been persecuted, tortured or seen family members killed in brutal wars".

From BBC

How could it be otherwise in a people said to be chosen by God yet throughout history persecuted more than any other?

From The Wall Street Journal

Officials said the vessel was carrying some 70 undocumented migrants, mostly from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya community.

From Barron's

Related Words

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