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

More than 900 Jewish refugees attempted to flee persecution in Nazi Germany by setting sail aboard the ship, which was turned away from Cuba and the United States. — Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

People with disabilities, students getting to school, women seeking reproductive healthcare, LGBTQ+ residents fleeing persecution and domestic violence survivors are just some of the hundreds of thousands who currently depend on this station. — Lena Guerrero Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

This pattern of religious persecution is not new. — Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

The cult goes to trial, citing religious persecution. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 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