persecution

American  

[pur-si-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌpɜr sɪˈkyu ʃən /

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.

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persecution British  

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• nonpersecution
  noun
• persecutional
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of persecution

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”; see persecute) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Persecution is unfair or abusive treatment toward a person or group of people, such as the persecution of someone who is different by calling him or her rude names and making threats. The noun persecution is related to persecute, which comes from Latin persecut-, meaning “followed with hostility.” Persecution means hassling or singling out a person or group because of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or social status. In many schools, the persecution of students by bullies has resulted in a zero-tolerance policy for such despicable behavior.

Example Sentences

"We hypothesize that certain species with poorer general population health, specifically rattlesnakes with historic and current increased risks of human persecution, are likely more susceptible to infection with subsequent disease," said Mishin.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

The Goldrich will open with a museum exhibition titled “Meet Your Neighbor,” amplifying diverse L.A. communities and featuring stories of Angelenos and their ancestors who resettled, immigrated or sought refuge from persecution and violence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Women and girls "suffered particular moral and material harm as a result of the crime of persecution", which had to be reflected in the implementation of reparations, it went on.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

"Any attempt to misuse protections designed for people fleeing genuine persecution because of their sexuality is deplorable," a spokesperson told the BBC.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This means that the Negro has been allowed to stand on his own merit; he has not been patronized as a dependent, neither has he met enmity and persecution because of his success or failure.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• expulsion
• ill-treatment
• imprisonment
• killing
• maltreatment
• massacre
• mistreatment
• murder
• oppression
• torture