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

For many of his followers, the booking photo has morphed into a kind of badge of honor, emblematic of Trump’s narrative of political persecution. —Jamel Valencia, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025

Although the refugee program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support and has resettled more than 3 million refugees fleeing persecution since 1980, Trump has long portrayed it as a security vulnerability and a strain on communities. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

Now, even these former prisoners, directly freed by the previous U.S. administration, are uncertain about their futures here, highlighting how chaotic and uncertain a time this is for people in the U.S. fleeing persecution. —Cd Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025

The senator’s father came from Germany in 1935, a Jew fleeing persecution. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2025

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