[per.se.cute] vt -cut.ed ; -cut.ing [ME, fr. MF persecuter, back-formation fr. persecuteur persecutor, fr. LL persecutor, fr. persequi to persecute, fr. L, to pursue, fr. per- through + sequi to follow--more at sue] (15c) 1: to harass in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specif: to cause to suffer because of belief
2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities): pester syn see wrong -- per.se.cu.tee n -- per.se.cu.tive adj -- per.se.cu.tor n -- per.se.cu.to.ry adj