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

Trump presented Ramaphosa with news articles and video clips in an attempt to bolster his disproven claims that White farmers in South Africa are facing persecution. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 May 2025

This same upside-down logic is now being used to portray the suppression of campus speech as a blow against religious persecution. —Robert Helfand, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025

Cecilia Gonzalez Herrera came to the U.S. from Venezuela with her parents eight years ago after her family faced political persecution from the administration of authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro. —Greg Allen, NPR, 20 May 2025

Pugh’s swim offers an alternative ending, where protection replaces panic and persecution. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 May 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