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.
were 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.
Texas also executed Kent Sprouse, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia by a court-appointed psychiatrist who said he was “psychotic, paranoid, believed people were persecuting him, and did not understand the wrongfulness of his conduct.”
From Slate ● Jan. 6, 2016
She ranted not only against the people she claimed were persecuting her but also against anyone who acted in a way she considered to be against her interests.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 21, 2012
Three blisters and a half were persecuting her hands.
From Living Alone by Stella Benson
The answer is that when the wilder spirits of the Kirk were not being persecuted they were persecuting the State and bullying the individual subject.
From Historical Mysteries by Andrew Lang
And already before the end of the fourth century both empires were persecuting free talk and religious innovation.
From A Short History of the World by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
