persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook

2

: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

Examples of persecution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In each case, a politician is appealing over institutional bodies’ heads to the people and framing the appeal itself as proof of his or her persecution. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Many Quakers eventually left England for America to escape religious persecution. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026

The scope of persecution eligible for asylum is generally limited to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persecution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Kids Definition

persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or practice of persecuting

2

: the condition of being persecuted

Legal Definition

persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion

: punishment or harassment usually of a severe nature on the basis of race, religion, or political opinion in one's country of origin

claimed persecution and sought asylum