persecute

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, especially because of their race, religion, or beliefs.

   Many families fled the country after being persecuted for their faith.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep annoying or harassing someone persistently.

   Reporters persecuted the actress with endless questions about her divorce.

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.

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