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

The heightened visibility of it all has divided some elders who, after living through periods of persecution, worry a new such era could dawn. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Many Germans had believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its Nazi past through education and laws to outlaw persecution. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

With Magic Lessons, released in 2020, Hoffman told the tale of Maria Owens, who began the ancestral line of family witches after surviving persecution at the Salem witch trials. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026

The couple’s immediate descendants became the victims of persecution from the Nazis, and Colorful Life was sold at auction under uncertain conditions in 1940. — News Desk, Artforum, 1 Sep. 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