as in harassment
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
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Recent Examples of persecution
Millenarian prophets associated it with empire, persecution, and decadence, often fomenting social unrest and rebellion.
—
Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
In its 2025 World Watch List, Open Doors says Christians face the most persecution in the following nations: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya and Sudan.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
This persecution was committed from at least August 15, 2021, until the present day, across the territory of Afghanistan.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
And Alawites at times faced their own attacks and persecution as a minority, particularly by Sunni jihadi rebels.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for persecution 
Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
In its 2025 World Watch List, Open Doors says Christians face the most persecution in the following nations: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya and Sudan.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
This persecution was committed from at least August 15, 2021, until the present day, across the territory of Afghanistan.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
And Alawites at times faced their own attacks and persecution as a minority, particularly by Sunni jihadi rebels.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for persecution
Thesaurus Entries Near persecution
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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