persecute
verb (used with object)
to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
was persecuting
-
past progressiveof persecute.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her internment made her fearful for her life as there was the possibility of authorities deporting her to Germany, where Hitler was persecuting the Jews.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2024
In October 1986, when he was 5 years old and growing up in Houston, his father, a biochemist and ardent communist, became convinced the FBI was persecuting him.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2024
“The Nazi regime was persecuting the Catholic Church in Germany and in occupied countries,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2020
He claimed that the US government was persecuting him by charging him with espionage.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2013
For the first time since the abduction deep despair beset the boy, and at the same time some kind of vague notion that an untoward fate was persecuting them.
From In Desert and Wilderness by Henryk Sienkiewicz
