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.
have persecuted
-
present perfectof persecute.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Instead of saying “princes have persecuted me without a cause,’ David complains, ‘printers have persecuted me without a cause.’
From Washington Post ● Nov. 17, 2017
As modern humans became the dominant carnivore, we have persecuted other large carnivores to extinction — which is why dogs are such an interesting puzzle.
From Scientific American ● Feb. 5, 2013
Still she attempted to quiet fears that her new government would strike back at those she claims have persecuted her.
From Time Magazine Archive
Many of them have persecuted clergymen, as in the case of Methodism's founder, John Wesley, who was an interested observer of knockings, rappings and agitated warming pans at Epworth Rectory in 1716-17.
From Time Magazine Archive
Jesus says to his own beloved followers: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
From The Gospel Day Or, the Light of Christianity by Charles Ebert Orr
