persecute

verb per·se·cute \ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\

: to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs

: to constantly annoy or bother (someone)

per·se·cut·edper·se·cut·ing

Full Definition of PERSECUTE

transitive verb

: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief

: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester

— per·se·cu·tee \ˌpər-si-ˌkyü-ˈtē\ noun

— per·se·cu·tive \ˈpər-si-ˌkyü-tiv\ adjective

— per·se·cu·tor \-ˌkyü-tər\ noun

— per·se·cu·to·ry \-kyü-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˌkyü-tə-rē\ adjective

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Origin of PERSECUTE

Middle English, from Middle French persecuter, back-formation from persecuteur persecutor, from Late Latin persecutor, from persequi to persecute, from Latin, to pursue, from per- through + sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PERSECUTE

Synonyms: agonize, anguish, bedevil, beset, besiege, curse, excruciate, harrow, afflict, plague, rack, torment, torture

Synonym Discussion of PERSECUTE

wrong, oppress, persecute, aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves <a penal system that had wronged him>. oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform <a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant>. persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering <a child persecuted by constant criticism>. aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights <a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups>.

PERSECUTE Defined for Kids