persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce persecution (audio)
1
: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
2
: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

Examples of persecution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Having faced decades of persecution, namely during the 1914-1923 Assyrian genocide (Seyfo), the Assyrian community in Iraq has been decimated. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Rashad Jamal, the former rapper who leads the University of Cosmic Intelligence and is now serving 18 years on child-molestation charges, has repeatedly cast his prosecution as persecution. David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025 The 70 Christians were first rounded up by Islamist rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces, a group affiliated with the terror group Islamic State, or ISIS, according to Open Doors U.S., which monitors Christian persecution around the world. Paul Tilsley, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025 It is located on the site of the Nazi headquarters that was used to plan and manage the persecution and extermination of European Jews, Sinti and Roma. Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persecution was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

persecution

noun
per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce persecution (audio)
1
: the act or practice of persecuting
2
: the condition of being persecuted

Legal Definition

persecution

noun
per·​se·​cu·​tion
: punishment or harassment usually of a severe nature on the basis of race, religion, or political opinion in one's country of origin
claimed persecution and sought asylum

More from Merriam-Webster on persecution

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