persecute
1 synonym for persecute, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, often because of their race, religion, or beliefs.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use persecute
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
persecuted for their beliefs
persecute a minority
Etymology
From Latin persequi, "to pursue relentlessly," from per- ("through") + sequi ("to follow").
Full origin of persecute →Frequently asked questions
What does “persecute” mean?
The word “persecute” means to treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, often because of their race, religion, or beliefs. In plain terms, to repeatedly harm or harass someone, often because of who they are.
How do you pronounce “persecute”?
“Persecute” is pronounced PUR-sihk-yoot (/ˈpɝsəkjut/ in IPA).
How do you use “persecute” in a sentence?
Here is “persecute” used in a sentence: “The regime persecuted anyone who spoke out against it.”
What part of speech is “persecute”?
“Persecute” is a verb.
Where does the word “persecute” come from?
The word “persecute” comes from Latin. From Latin persequi, "to pursue relentlessly," from per- ("through") + sequi ("to follow").
How many meanings does “persecute” have?
“Persecute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, often because of their race, religion, or beliefs.
Related words
persecutable
persecution
