persecution

[pur-si-kyoo-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of persecuting.

2. the state of being persecuted.

3. a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious, ethnic, social, or racial group.

   the persecutions of Christians by the Romans.

persecution

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of persecuting or the state of being persecuted

Other Word Forms

• persecutional adjective
• nonpersecution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecution¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English persecucio(u)n, from Late Latin persecūtiōn-, stem of persecūtiō (in Latin: “prosecution”), from Latin persecūt(us) “followed thoroughly, prosecuted” (past participle of persequī “to follow thoroughly, prosecute”; persecute ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Guidance from the Met Police issued last year currently states that while this chant is "difficult and controversial", it is unlikely the force would pursue persecution over its use.

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Saulque, vice chairwoman for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribe, draws a parallel between ousting the horses and the historic persecution of her people by the government.

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But Sam Thomas, mitigating for Smith, argued there was "not a racist bone in his body" and that he had "no issue with people coming into this country fleeing persecution".

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"I believe that those genuinely fleeing persecution should be afforded asylum and that is a compassionate act," he added.

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There has been an increased number of Iranians entering the US in recent years, including many who fear persecution at home.

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Related Words

• expulsion 
• ill-treatment www.thesaurus.com
• imprisonment 
• killing 
• maltreatment 
• massacre 
• mistreatment www.thesaurus.com
• murder 
• oppression 
• torture 

When To Use

What does persecution mean?

Persecution is the act of harassing or oppressing a person or a group of people, especially because of their identity.Throughout history, people have faced persecution because of their religion, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and many other factors.Example: People have been using the forum to call attention to the ongoing persecution of Muslims.