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Meaning of persecute
to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs
Etymology of persecute
The word "persecute" comes from the Latin "persecutus", which is the past participle of "persequi", meaning "to pursue" or "to follow"
Historically, the word has been used to describe the systematic and deliberate targeting of individuals or groups, often due to their religious, racial, or political affiliations
Synonyms
harass
mistreat
abuse
torment
oppress
tyrannize
intimidate
bully
badger
pester
plague
beset
afflict
trouble
bother
annoy
vex
irritate
hassle
persecute
discriminate
victimize
maltreat
ill-treat
manhandle
roughhandle
brutalize
savage
ravage
devastate
crucify
hound
dog
harass
harry
molest
tease
taunt
ridicule
mock
scorn
deride
sneer
jeer
Definitions
- to pursue or harass someone with the intention of causing them harm or suffering
- * to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs
Usage Examples
- The government was accused of persecuting minority groups and suppressing their rights
- * The company was persecuting its employees by forcing them to work long hours in poor conditions
- * The dictator's regime persecuted anyone who opposed him, using torture and imprisonment to silence his critics