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Definition of persecutor

persecutor

/ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːtər/
per · se · cu · tor
Plural:persecutors
•
Adjective:persecutory
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persecutor Lexical Profile

persecutor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or group that subjects others to persistent hostility, cruel treatment, or systematic harassment, especially because of their religion, race, or political beliefs.

Example

"The historical archives documented how the refugees fled their homeland to escape their relentless persecutors."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for persecutor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for persecutor

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'persecutor' (one who subjects others to hostility, ill-treatment, or harassment) with 'prosecutor' (a legal official who conducts criminal proceedings against an accused person in court).

• Nearby Words

perry
persecute
persecution
persecutor
perseverance
perseverant
persevere

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman persecutour and Late Latin persecutor ('pursuer, oppressor'), agent noun from Latin persequi ('to follow persistently, pursue, or hunt down'), from per- ('thoroughly') and sequi ('to follow').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Persecutor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/persecutor
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