persecute
persecute Lexical Profile
persecute Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.
"Throughout history, authoritarian regimes have sought to persecute religious minorities and political dissidents."
To harass or annoy someone persistently.
"The celebrity complained that aggressive photographers continued to persecute her family outside their home."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'persecute' (to subject someone to hostility or ill-treatment, especially because of their identity or beliefs) with 'prosecute' (to institute legal proceedings against someone or to carry on a trade or activity).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French 'persecuter', derived from Latin 'persecutus', the past participle of 'persequi' ('to follow closely or pursue'), from 'per-' ('thoroughly') and 'sequi' ('to follow').