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

Sudan is the fifth-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

The editorial wasn’t referencing Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, but their flight to Egypt, to flee persecution. —John Fugelsang september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025

Mark Hetfield, president of the refugee resettlement group HIAS, defended the existing global agreements as ensuring people would never be subject to persecution without an escape route. —Ted Hesson, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Trump has used his influence to try to save allies, including Bolsonaro as well as Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, from persecution in their respective countries. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

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