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

Schloss' stepsister Anne and the Frank family hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam for two years during World War II to evade Nazi persecution for their Jewish faith. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026

After years of fear, instability and political persecution, many see a path toward safety and stability in South Florida. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

South African journalist and chronicler of persecution Ruth Weiss died on September 5 at the age of 101. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026

Eight million people have fled Venezuela because of the political persecution of this administration. —NBC news, 4 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