persecute Definition

persecute
verb persecuted, persecuting

1. To ill-treat, oppress, torment or put to death (a person or people), especially on the grounds of their religious or political beliefs.

Thesaurus: afflict, oppress, tyrannize, ill-treat, abuse, castigate, victimize, martyr, crucify.
2. To harass, pester or bother someone continually.

Thesaurus: annoy, bother, badger, harass, pester, vex, hound, tease.

Derivative: persecution
noun

The action of oppressing or harassing someone
Thesaurus: oppression, suppression, tyranny, subjugation, castigation, discrimination, maltreatment, torture, abuse, molestation.

Derivative: persecutor
noun

Etymology: 15c: from Latin persequi, persecutus to pursue or ill-treat.