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.
has been persecuting
-
present perfect progressiveof persecute (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
“This is a fine slap in the chops for the bloody press which has been persecuting her for so long,” he thunders, going on at great length to dissect all aspects of the tangle.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 9, 2020
She has been persecuting me now for years in all parts of London.
From Certain Personal Matters by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
He has been fighting with a man named North, who was a corporal in his troop, and who, as I hear, has been persecuting him a good deal.
From The Dash for Khartoum A Tale of Nile Expedition by Joseph Nash
It is incredible how misfortune has been persecuting me since noon.
From Moral by Charles Recht
I am afraid Mervyn has been persecuting them ever since.’
From Hopes and Fears or, scenes from the life of a spinster by Charlotte Mary Yonge
