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

1400–50; late Middle English; back formation from persecutour persecutor ≪ Late Latin persecūtor orig. prosecutor, equivalent to persecū-, variant stem of persequī to prosecute, pursue closely (see per-, sequence) + -tor -tor

SYNONYMS FOR persecute

1 afflict, torture, torment.
2 worry, badger, vex, bother, pester.

OTHER WORDS FROM persecute

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH persecute

persecute prosecute

Words nearby persecute

perrysburg, pers, pers., persalt, perse, persecute, persecution, persecution complex, persecutory, perseid, perseity

Example sentences from the Web for persecutory

British Dictionary definitions for persecutory (1 of 2)

persecutory
/ (ˈpɜːsɪˌkjuːtərɪ) /

adjective

involving or characteristic of persecution

British Dictionary definitions for persecutory (2 of 2)

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, noun

Word Origin for persecute

C15: from Old French persecuter, back formation from persecuteur, from Late Latin persecūtor pursuer, from persequī to take vengeance upon