persecute

[pur-si-kyoot]

verb (used with object)

persecuted, persecuting 

1. to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

   Synonyms: torment, torture, afflict

2. to annoy or trouble persistently.

   Synonyms: pester, bother, vex, badger, worry

persecute

/ ˈpɜːsɪˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to oppress, harass, or maltreat, esp because of race, religion, etc

2. to bother persistently

Other Word Forms

• persecutingly adverb
• persecutive adjective
• persecutiveness noun
• persecutor noun
• persecutory adjective
• nonpersecuting adjective
• nonpersecutive adjective
• nonpersecutory adjective
• overpersecute verb (used with object)
• unpersecuting adjective
• unpersecutive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecute¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English; back formation from persecutour “persecutor,” ultimately from Late Latin persecūtor originally “prosecutor,” equivalent to persecū-, variant stem of persequī “to prosecute, pursue closely” + -tor; per-, sequence, -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecute¹

C15: from Old French persecuter, back formation from persecuteur, from Late Latin persecūtor pursuer, from persequī to take vengeance upon

Example Sentences

Enver Solomon, chief executive at the Refugee Council, described the government's plans as "harsh and unnecessary", and said they "won't deter people who have been persecuted, tortured or seen family members killed in brutal wars".

Read more on BBC

How could it be otherwise in a people said to be chosen by God yet throughout history persecuted more than any other?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Officials said the vessel was carrying some 70 undocumented migrants, mostly from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya community.

Read more on Barron's

Officials said the boat was carrying about 70 migrants, many believed to be from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya community trying to reach Malaysia, when it capsized near Thailand's Tarutao island four days ago.

Read more on Barron's

The body recovered was believed to be that of a woman from Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• expel 
• harass 
• hound 
• injure 
• maltreat 
• molest 
• oppress 
• outrage 
• pick on 
• pursue 
• torture 
• victimize