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

In a world where conflict and persecution are driving displacement and division, cinematic storytelling has a vital role to play in connecting with the experiences of others. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Thaci faced multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, torture and persecution alongside three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who fought Serb forces in the 1998-99 war. — CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

After 2022, most of Russia’s remaining independent media outlets, along with hundreds of thousands of antiwar citizens, fled into exile; any critics who remained in Russia faced the threat of persecution. — Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

The family has a history of relocating to different parts of the world to escape religious persecution or seek work opportunities, including Russia in the 1800s and later France, in the 1900s. — David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 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