definitions

persecute

[ pur-si-kyoot ]
/ ˈpɜr sɪˌkyut /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR persecute ON THESAURUS.COM

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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RELATED WORDS

torture, expel, pursue, injure, maltreat, harass, outrage, molest, hound, oppress, victimize, crucify, bait, distress, afflict, exile, martyr, worry, badger, hector

Nearby words

perrysburg, pers, pers., persalt, perse, persecute, persecution, persecution complex, persecutory, perseid, perseity

Origin of persecute

1400–50; late Middle English; back formation from persecutour persecutor ≪ Late Latin persecūtor orig. prosecutor, equivalent to persecū-, variant stem of persequī to prosecute, pursue closely (see per-, sequence) + -tor -tor

Related forms

Can be confused

persecute prosecute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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

persecutive, adjectivepersecutor, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012