Pronunciation: ' p ə r-si- ˌ kyüt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -cut · ed ; -cut · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French persecuter, back-formation from persecuteur persecutor, from Late Latin persecutor, from persequi to persecute, from Latin, to pursue, from per- through + sequi to follow ― more at SUE
Date: 15th century
1 : to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief
2 : to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : PESTER
synonyms see WRONG
– per · se · cu · tee \ ˌ p ə r-si- ˌ kyü- ' t ē \ noun
– per · se · cu · tive \ ' p ə r-si- ˌ kyü-tiv \ adjective
– per · se · cu · tor \ - ˌ kyü-t ə r \ noun
– per · se · cu · to · ry \ -kyü- ˌ to ̇ r- ē , - ˌ kyü-t ə -r ē \ adjective