First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
persecute
verb per·se·cute \ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\
: to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs
: to constantly annoy or bother (someone)
per·se·cut·edper·se·cut·ing
Full Definition of PERSECUTE
transitive verb
1
: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief
2
: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester
— per·se·cu·tee \ˌpər-si-ˌkyü-ˈtē\ noun
— per·se·cu·tive \ˈpər-si-ˌkyü-tiv\ adjective
— per·se·cu·tor \-ˌkyü-tər\ noun
— per·se·cu·to·ry \-kyü-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˌkyü-tə-rē\ adjective
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Origin of PERSECUTE
Middle English, from Middle French persecuter, back-formation from persecuteur persecutor, from Late Latin persecutor, from persequi to persecute, from Latin, to pursue, from per- through + sequi to follow — more at sue
Related to PERSECUTE
Synonym Discussion of PERSECUTE
wrong, oppress, persecute, aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves <a penal system that had wronged him>. oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform <a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant>. persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering <a child persecuted by constant criticism>. aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights <a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups>.
PERSECUTE Defined for Kids
persecute
verb per·se·cute \ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\
per·se·cut·edper·se·cut·ing
Definition of PERSECUTE for Kids
: to treat continually in a cruel and harmful way
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