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

The Franz Koenigs collection, including works by Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, and others, has been the subject of multiple claims over the years that it was sold under duress due to Nazi persecution. —Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 2 June 2026

Zamani, who fled the Iranian regime in 1987 due to growing religious persecution, sees the wait as a strategic tactic by their government and almost a losing battle for those who engage. —Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 1 June 2026

All of the asylum seekers at the hotel face a high risk of persecution back home, human rights experts say. —ABC News, 28 May 2026

Clients who fled persecution, faced government surveillance or have pending regulatory matters have legitimate interests in confidentiality. —Gloria Domingos, Forbes.com, 27 May 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