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

We were intrigued that the kulturkanon included works from the Sámi—an Indigenous people who live in northern Scandinavia, and whose long history of persecution has parallels with that of Native Americans. —Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026

The Stonewall Inn is the site of a milestone in the fight for gay rights, recognition and the fight to end persecution by authorities. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026

Myanmar is also on trial at the International Court of Justice for genocide over its ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims; the International Criminal Court opened its own investigation into alleged crimes of humanity committed by the junta, including the persecution of the Rohingya. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Jan. 2026

However, many experts have argued the cases smack of political persecution. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 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