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

Isbilen alleges that her husband is the victim of political persecution. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Beyond its psychological thriller premise, Daughter of Eden explores the lasting trauma of political persecution and the legacy of violence across generations. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Brazil’s Amnesty Commission formally apologized that July for the state’s post-World War II persecution of Japanese immigrants. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

United Nations commissions have formally concluded that Russian military actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity — murder, forced displacement and systematic persecution. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 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