Meaning & Definition of word "Persecution"

Persecution

/ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The act of persecuting or harassing someone, especially because of their religion, race, or political beliefs.
    • Example: The refugees fled their homeland to escape religious persecution.
  • 2. Constant harassment or punishment of an individual or group.
    • Example: The activist spoke out against the ongoing persecution of minorities in the country.
  • 3. The systematic mistreatment of an individual or group, often based on discrimination.
    • Example: Historical records show that the persecution of the Jewish community intensified during the Middle Ages.
  • 4. A campaign to oppress or harm individuals or groups based on their identity.
    • Example: International organizations condemned the persecution of political dissidents.
  • 5. The act of subjecting someone to persistent ill-treatment.
    • Example: His work raised awareness about the persecution faced by those exposing corruption.

Etymology

From Latin 'persecutio', from 'persequi' meaning 'to follow up closely or pursue'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

political persecution:

Unfair treatment of individuals for their political beliefs.

religious persecution:

Hostility or punishment directed towards individuals because of their religious beliefs.

persecution complex:

An irrational belief that one is being persecuted or unfairly treated.

Related Words

persecutor:

A person or group that harasses or oppresses others.

victim:

A person harmed or injured as a result of persecution.

Slang Meanings of persecution