Main Entry:

per·se·cute

Pronunciation:

\ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

per·se·cut·ed; per·se·cut·ing

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

1: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict ; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester

synonyms see wrong

— 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