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

Gunay Shafiei was just four years old when her family fled Iran because of religious persecution. —Marissa Armas, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025

In its most recent memo outlining refugee policy for fiscal year 2026, the administration allocated most of those slots to white South Africans, citing persecution claims. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

The multi-viewpoint story unfolds during a pivotal moment for the Palestinian people, the beginning of a three-year uprising against the British Empire’s increasingly unjust rule and the impact of settlers fleeing anti-Jewish persecution in Europe. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025

Navarro, the executive director of El Centro, said the fear of arrest or deportation was especially powerful for immigrants who came to the US fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 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