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
- The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime.
- 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
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