/ ˈpɜːsɪkjuːt; NAmE ˈpɜːrs-/ verb [ vn ] [ often passive ]
1.
persecute sb (for sth) to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs :
Throughout history, people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
persecuted minorities
2.
to deliberately annoy sb all the time and make their life unpleasant
SYN harass :
Why are the media persecuting him like this?
► per·se·cu·tion / ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃn; NAmE ˌpɜːrs-/ noun [ U , C ]:
the victims of religious persecution
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French persecuter , from Latin persecut- followed with hostility, from the verb persequi , from per- through, utterly + sequi follow, pursue.