persecution
6 synonyms for persecution, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Cruel or unfair treatment over time, especially aimed at a particular group.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use persecution
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
religious persecution
flee persecution
fear of persecution
Etymology
From Old French persecucion, ultimately from Latin persequi ("to pursue").
Full origin of persecution →Frequently asked questions
What does “persecution” mean?
The word “persecution” means cruel or unfair treatment over time, especially aimed at a particular group. In plain terms, the ongoing mistreatment of a person or group, often because of race, religion, or beliefs.
How do you pronounce “persecution”?
“Persecution” is pronounced pur-suh-KYOO-shuhn (/ˌpɝsəˈkjuʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “persecution” in a sentence?
Here is “persecution” used in a sentence: “The novel is based on the persecution of refugees during the war.”
What part of speech is “persecution”?
“Persecution” is a noun.
Where does the word “persecution” come from?
The word “persecution” comes from Latin. From Old French persecucion, ultimately from Latin persequi ("to pursue").
Is “persecution” a common word?
“Persecution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between persecution and discrimination?
Discrimination refers to unfair treatment based on a person's group identity, which can be a single act or a general bias. Persecution is more severe and sustained: it involves cruel or unfair treatment over time, often systematic, and specifically targets a particular group. In other words, persecution usually implies ongoing harm, while discrimination can be a one-off unfair decision.
What is religious persecution?
Religious persecution is cruel or unfair treatment directed at people because of their faith or religious practice. It can range from social exclusion and job discrimination to violence, and it typically continues over an extended period rather than occurring as an isolated incident.
Is persecution always physical violence?
No, persecution does not have to involve physical violence. It covers any cruel or unfair treatment aimed at a particular group, which can include harassment, exclusion, legal restrictions, or economic hardship, as well as physical harm.
