PERSECUTE

vt to harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.

2. persecute ·vt to pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship.