verb

persecute

PUR-sihk-yoot

verb

To treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, often because of their race, religion, or beliefs.

"The regime persecuted anyone who spoke out against it."

"Minority religious groups were persecuted for centuries in the region."

To repeatedly harass or pester someone.

"Reporters persecuted the family with constant phone calls after the story broke."

How to Use Persecute

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo repeatedly harm or harass someone, often because of who they are.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "prosecute," which means to bring someone to trial in court.

Easily confused with

prosecute →

Common pairings

persecuted for their beliefs persecute a minority

Word Forms

persecuted past tense, persecute plural, persecuted plural, persecutes singular, persecute singular, persecuted singular, persecutest singular, persecutedst singular, persecuteth singular

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The regime _____ anyone who spoke out against it.

Etymology

From Latin persequi, "to pursue relentlessly," from per- ("through") + sequi ("to follow").

Rhymes for persecute

ute cute mute lute flute acute haute brute chute route minute refute

See all rhymes for persecute →