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.