persecute
verb (used with object)
to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
had been persecuting
-
past perfect progressiveof persecute.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You had been persecuting me ever since Sir Florian's death about the diamonds, and I didn't know what I was to do.
From The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope
It was known that Daubrecq had been persecuting her with his attentions for some days; but nothing more was known.
From The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc
If it should turn out so! if it should become apparent that he, for private prejudices of his own, had been persecuting his brother!
From The Perpetual Curate by Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
He was killed in a duel with Baron George Hekkeren-Dantes, who had been persecuting his wife with unwelcome attentions, in January, 1837.
From A Survey of Russian Literature, with Selections by Isabel Florence Hapgood
And that meant that it had been Dr. Webber who had been persecuting him.
From The Dark Door by Alan Edward Nourse
