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

Romero challenged people to accompany the rural poor amid the violence and persecution of El Salvador’s civil war. — Gina Perez, The Conversation, 21 July 2026

When Ukrainians see books in their language being burned, some of them are reminded of a longer history of persecution, such as Catherine the Great’s ban in 1784 on Ukrainian-language church services. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

However, the film makes only passing mention of specifics, like the Khalistan separatist movement which forms the story’s backdrop, giving local police and politicians carte blanche for their brutality (and their persecution of Khalra). — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 July 2026

The Grammy-winning co-founder of Havana’s San Isidro Movement was convicted of public disorder and disrespect for national symbols, a case that rights groups call political persecution. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 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