persecution
noun
per·se·cu·tion
ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən 
1
: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
2
: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed
Examples of persecution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There was one mystery that Weil never thought worthy of attention: her callousness toward the Jewish people’s persecution.
—
Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
The exhibition marks Baldwin’s 100th birthday, remembering his influence on culture, his acute criticisms of society, and his story as a Black gay man attempting to escape America’s persecution and bigotry.
—Essence, 14 Aug. 2024
In 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began a brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, which later escalated to the forcible removal of their organs for profit.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024
Trans young people have for many years been under severe stress in the U.K. and worldwide, facing growing hostility, persecution and violence.
—Cal Horton, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for persecution 
Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
The exhibition marks Baldwin’s 100th birthday, remembering his influence on culture, his acute criticisms of society, and his story as a Black gay man attempting to escape America’s persecution and bigotry.
—Essence, 14 Aug. 2024
In 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began a brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, which later escalated to the forcible removal of their organs for profit.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024
Trans young people have for many years been under severe stress in the U.K. and worldwide, facing growing hostility, persecution and violence.
—Cal Horton, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for persecution
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persecution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near persecution
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persecution
noun
per·se·cu·tion
ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or practice of persecuting
2
: the condition of being persecuted
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