persecution

[pur-si-kyoo-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of persecuting.

2. the state of being persecuted.

3. a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious, ethnic, social, or racial group.

   the persecutions of Christians by the Romans.

persecution

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of persecuting or the state of being persecuted

Other Word Forms

• persecutional adjective
• nonpersecution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persecution¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English persecucio(u)n, from Late Latin persecūtiōn-, stem of persecūtiō (in Latin: “prosecution”), from Latin persecūt(us) “followed thoroughly, prosecuted” (past participle of persequī “to follow thoroughly, prosecute”; persecute ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

"I believe that those genuinely fleeing persecution should be afforded asylum and that is a compassionate act," he added.

From BBC

There has been an increased number of Iranians entering the US in recent years, including many who fear persecution at home.

From BBC

The president’s overt use of the Justice Department as a partisan tool threatens a new era of political persecutions that could well backfire on his own allies.

From Los Angeles Times

Eduardo Bolsonaro, who resides in the US, claimed he received news of the charges through the press, and the timing of the announcement highlighted his "ongoing political persecution".

From BBC

Every day we see various forms of persecution, exploitation and oppression that violate our core values.

From Salon

Related Words

• expulsion 
• ill-treatment www.thesaurus.com
• imprisonment 
• killing 
• maltreatment 
• massacre 
• mistreatment www.thesaurus.com
• murder 
• oppression 
• torture 

When To Use

What does persecution mean?

Persecution is the act of harassing or oppressing a person or a group of people, especially because of their identity.Throughout history, people have faced persecution because of their religion, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and many other factors.Example: People have been using the forum to call attention to the ongoing persecution of Muslims.