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

But, having fled their homeland because of political persecution, or uprooted their lives for better economic opportunities, many undocumented Chinese men reject the notion of being a threat to the United States as absurd. —Aarne Heikkila, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024

Braga Netto, the former president and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse the authorities of political persecution. —Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024

His persecution meant that, suddenly, the conditions for prisoners in French Guiana had come to the attention of the world, a new reality that had huge consequences for career criminal Eddie Guerin. —Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 13 Dec. 2024

The 34-year-old’s parents immigrated from Iran to rural Ohio in 1984, fleeing political persecution. —Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or practice of persecuting

2

: the condition of being persecuted

Legal Definition

persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion

: punishment or harassment usually of a severe nature on the basis of race, religion, or political opinion in one's country of origin

claimed persecution and sought asylum