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 deportation of Iranians to a country whose government has a pattern of violent persecution against women, religious minorities and political dissidents has drawn significant criticism from human rights activists. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

All 10 members of the court voted to extend the application of the Maria da Penha law for situations such as persecution, threats and harassment outside the home. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

South African leaders deny that Afrikaners have been subjected to systemic persecution. — Shalina Chatlani, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026

Trump has made countering the persecution of Christians in Africa by Islamic terrorists a core focus since his return to the White House. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 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