persecute
[ pur-si-kyoot ]
/ ˈpɜr sɪˌkyut /
verb (used with object), per·se·cut·ed, per·se·cut·ing.
to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
to annoy or trouble persistently.
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Origin of persecute
OTHER WORDS FROM persecute
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH persecute
persecute prosecuteWords nearby persecute
perrysburg, pers, pers., persalt, perse, persecute, persecution, persecution complex, persecutory, perseid, perseity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for persecute
British Dictionary definitions for persecute
persecute
/ (ˈpɜːsɪˌkjuːt) /
verb (tr)
to oppress, harass, or maltreat, esp because of race, religion, etc
to bother persistently
Derived forms of persecute
persecutive, adjectivepersecutor, nounWord Origin for persecute
C15: from Old French persecuter, back formation from persecuteur, from Late Latin persecūtor pursuer, from persequī to take vengeance upon
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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