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

Sharabi told Fox News Digital that the attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that left at least 15 dead and dozens wounded reminded him of the persecution of European Jews in the 1940s. —Rachel Wolf , Ronn Blitzer, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Stretching the bounds of past realities Our study confirms that common delusional themes, such as persecution, have become repackaged for the digital age. —Alaina Vandervoort Burns, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

But that’s different from the existing standard of accepting those who have fled because of conflict, violence, or persecution. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2025

And, indeed, Jewish history is fraught with stretches of harsh conditions, including persecution, exile and extermination. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 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