Definitions for: Persecute

[v] cause to suffer; "Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet Union"

Webster (1913) Definition: Per"se*cute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Persecuted; p.
pr. & vb. n. Persecuting.] [F. pers['e]cueter, L. persequi,
persecutus, to pursue, prosecute; per + sequi to follow,
pursue. See Per-, and Second.]
1. 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.

Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
--Matt. v. 44.

2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent
solicitations; to annoy. --Johnson.

Syn: To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.

Synonyms: harass, oppress

See Also: bedevil, crucify, dun, frustrate, haze, purge, rag, torment

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