persecution

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Cruel or unfair treatment of a person or group over time, especially because of race, religion, or beliefs.

   They sought asylum to escape religious persecution at home.

Equivalent to persecute + -ion. From Middle English persecucioun, from Old French persecucion, from Ecclesiastical Latin persecūtio (“persecution; chase, pursuit”), from Latin persequor (“follow up, pursue”), from per- (“through”) + sequor (“follow”). Displaced native Old English ēhtnes.

Topics