persecute

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   cause to suffer

   Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet Union

2. 2
   verb

   To pursue in a manner to do harm or cruelty to; especially, because of the victim's race, sexual identity, or adherence to a particular belief.

   He who persecutes one will persecute all.

3. 3
   verb

   To kill many of one species of animal, with the intent of removing them from human habitats.

   Humans have been persecuting wolves in this forest for centuries.

4. 4
   verb

   To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French persécuter, from Ecclesiastical Latin persecutor, from Latin persequor, persecutus (“follow up, pursue”), from per- (“through”) + sequor (“follow”) (English sequel). Compare prosecute. Cf. also pursue.