persecute

verb

per·​se·​cute ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt How to pronounce persecute (audio)
persecuted; persecuting

transitive verb

1
: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict
specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief
2
: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (such as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester
persecutee noun
persecutive adjective
persecutor noun
persecutory
ˈpər-si-kyü-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce persecute (audio)
-ˌkyü-tə-rē
adjective

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Prosecute vs. Persecute

Take care to distinguish between prosecuted and persecuted, although we sincerely hope that neither word applies to you. Persecute typically has a small range of meanings, such as “to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict.” Although the word is occasionally found in dialectal use to mean “prosecute,” many usage guides consider this to be an error. Prosecute is generally found today in a legal context (“to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law”), although the word may also be used to mean “to follow to the end” or “to engage in.” If someone is prosecuted they are being tried in a court of law; if they are persecuted they are being targeted and harassed.

Choose the Right Synonym for persecute

wrong, oppress, persecute, aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously.

wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves.

a penal system that had wronged him

oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform.

a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant

persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering.

a child persecuted by constant criticism

aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights.

a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups

Examples of persecute in a Sentence

The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime. They were persecuted for their beliefs.
Recent Examples on the Web As of Sunday, Trump was silent about the death in an Arctic prison colony of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, except for a cryptic social media post suggesting that he has been persecuted by Biden just as Navalny was persecuted by Putin. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Trump allies have claimed that the SEC’s delay in approving the merger proves he’s being persecuted by the Biden administration. Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2024 His allies have also been persecuted, and his anti-corruption fund was declared an extremist organization a few months after his sentencing. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024 Including various legends across ancient Europe, the feast recognized the sacrifices of Valentine as a martyr, persecuted by the Roman Empire and killed for his Christian faith. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2024 Ignoring the larger church–state context, Tucker Carlson and other conservative opponents of military aid to Ukraine have been quick to accuse Kyiv of persecuting Christians. Nina Shea, National Review, 24 Jan. 2024 Protected by Julius Caesar and persecuted by Pompeii, Alix and his allies travel throughout the Mediterranean, Africa and beyond. Ernesto Lechner, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2024 Vultures are electrocuted by power lines, hit by wind-turbine blades, stranded without habitats as their nesting trees burn or are cut down, and persecuted by people. Meera Subramanian, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2024 Resist deflecting it and persecuting the messenger for daring to say something negative to you. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persecute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French persecuter, back-formation from persecuteur persecutor, from Late Latin persecutor, from persequi to persecute, from Latin, to pursue, from per- through + sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persecute was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near persecute

Cite this Entry

“Persecute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecute. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

persecute

verb
per·​se·​cute ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt How to pronounce persecute (audio)
persecuted; persecuting
1
: to treat continually in a way meant to be cruel or harmful
especially : to cause to suffer because of belief
2
persecutor noun
persecutory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on persecute

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