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

Its origins lie in the real persecution of Urbain Grandier, a priest in 17th-century France accused of bewitching a convent of nuns. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

His persecution has continued up until now; last month, the administration accused the Smithsonian of discrimination and threatened to cut federal grants. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland with his wife and children, was deported in March 2025 to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to a fear of persecution. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, America has been seen as a sanctuary for those fleeing religious persecution. — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 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