verb
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persecute
PUR-sihk-yoot
Persecute (verb) means to treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, often because of their race, religion, or beliefs. Example: “The regime persecuted anyone who spoke out against it.”
verb
1
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."
2
To repeatedly harass or pester someone.
"Reporters persecuted the family with constant phone calls after the story broke."
How to use persecute
Learner’s notesIn 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
Common pairings
persecuted for their beliefs
persecute a minority
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- persecutes
- Past tense
- persecuted
- Archaic forms
- persecutest, persecutedst, persecuteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The regime _____ anyone who spoke out against it.
Etymology
From Latin persequi, "to pursue relentlessly," from per- ("through") + sequi ("to follow").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for persecute
See all rhymes for 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.
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