persecuted

[pur-si-kyoo-tid]

adjective

1. persistently harassed or oppressed, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

   Having been raised in a frequently persecuted faith, the idea of any state religion makes me very nervous.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of persecute.

Other Word Forms

• unpersecuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecuted¹

persecute ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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".

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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.

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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.

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

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• abused www.thesaurus.com
• destitute 
• distressed 
• enslaved 
• exploited 
• helpless