persecute
[ pur-si-kyoot ]
/ ˈpɜr sɪˌkyut /
verb (used with object), per·se·cut·ed, per·se·cut·ing.
to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
to annoy or trouble persistently.
Origin of persecute
OTHER WORDS FROM persecute
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH persecute
persecute prosecuteWords nearby persecute
perrysburg,
pers,
pers.,
persalt,
perse,
persecute,
persecution,
persecution complex,
persecutory,
perseid,
perseity
Example sentences from the Web for persecutor
British Dictionary definitions for persecutor
persecute
/ (ˈpɜːsɪˌkjuːt) /
verb (tr)
to oppress, harass, or maltreat, esp because of race, religion, etc
to bother persistently
Derived forms of persecute
persecutive, adjective persecutor, nounWord Origin for persecute
C15: from Old French
persecuter, back formation from
persecuteur, from Late Latin
persecūtor pursuer, from
persequī to take vengeance upon