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 conditions that prompted large numbers of migrants to leave countries such as Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba — poverty, hunger, insecurity, political upheaval, persecution — have not changed, Saldivar said. —Daniel Gonzalez, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025

At the northeast corner of the Sahara Desert, its vast wilderness marks the final leg on the African continent for those fleeing war, persecution, and lack of opportunity in search of a better life. —Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

Since its founding, the United States has provided refuge for people fleeing violence and persecution. —Grace Meng, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

Backing White South Africans South African officials have long disputed claims that Afrikaners are victims of racial persecution. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 2 Nov. 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