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

And, indeed, Jewish history is fraught with stretches of harsh conditions, including persecution, exile and extermination. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025

Now, clients are calling us expressing grave uncertainty that their future here is over and that they and their children could be deported, in some cases, to face persecution or even death. —Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025

The tomb itself is believed to date back to the third century, when the area was still under the Roman Empire and Christians faced persecution. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

The collapse of traditional authority also fueled religious upheaval, persecution, widespread social unrest and the eventual rise of new institutions. —New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025

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