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

During a recent visit to the museum, Fox News Digital saw displays documenting Nazi persecution, including a life-size image of the boy from the famous Warsaw Ghetto photograph, his hands raised in surrender. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

The latest persecution of former FBI Director James Comey should stop, too. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

In her opening statement, defense attorney Carmen Robinson said Morris, an Afghanistan war veteran, suffered from PTSD and persecution delusions, and was acting in self-defense, believing that his family had summoned police to murder him. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

Kristallnacht marked a major escalation in the Nazi persecution of Jews. — ABC News, 8 Nov. 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