persecute

per·se·cute

transitive verb \ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\

per·se·cut·edper·se·cut·ing

Definition of PERSECUTE

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

Examples of PERSECUTE

1. The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime.
2. They were persecuted for their beliefs.

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PERSECUTE

Synonyms

agonize, anguish, bedevil, beset, besiege, curse, excruciate, harrow, afflict, plague, rack, torment, torture

Related Words

assail, attack; badger, dog, hound, pursue, ride; aggravate, agitate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, distress, disturb, exasperate, gall, get, grate, gripe, hagride, harass, harry, irk, irritate, molest, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex; discomfort, discompose, disquiet, fluster, grieve, perturb, strain, stress, trouble, try, upset, worry; crush, oppress, overpower, overwhelm, smite, strike, tyrannize, victimize; hurt, pain, pang, prick, smart, stab, sting, wring; martyr

Near Antonyms

abet, aid, assist, help; deliver, release, relieve, reprieve; comfort, console, content, quiet, solace, soothe, succor

See Synonym Discussion at wrong