persecute
gb/pˈɚsəkjˌut/ us/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
C1
English
üldöz, zaklat
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
üldöz
B2
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone/a group] (for [their beliefs/identity])
The regime persecuted activists who spoke out against corruption.
A rezsim üldözte azokat az aktivistákat, akik felszólaltak a korrupció ellen.
In the past, many people were persecuted for their religion.
Régen sok embert üldöztek a vallása miatt.
She fled the country after being persecuted for her political views.
Learner examples
They persecuted him because of his religion.
A vallása miatt üldözték.
Some groups are persecuted for their beliefs.
Egyes csoportokat a nézeteik miatt üldöznek.
Common mistake:
Don’t use it for one small rude act; it usually means repeated, serious unfair treatment.
Meaning
oppress a group for identity
Collocations
persecute minorities
|persecute religious groups
|persecute political opponents
|persecute dissidents
|systematically persecute
|be persecuted for your beliefs
|persecute on religious grounds
|persecute on political grounds
|persecute journalists
|persecute refugees
Synonyms
oppress (emphasizes keeping people down through power and control.)
|
victimize (focuses on making someone a victim through unfair treatment.)
|
target (less strong; highlights choosing someone for harm or discrimination.)
Antonyms
protect (means keep someone safe rather than harm them.)
|
tolerate (means accept differences instead of punishing them.)
Themes
society
|politics
|law
|human_rights
|conflict
Definition
to be cruel to someone for who they are or what they believe
To treat a person or group cruelly or unfairly over a long period, especially because of their religion, race, nationality, political beliefs, or other identity.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
zaklat
B1
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone] (with [questions/complaints])
He said he was being persecuted by his manager for small mistakes.
Azt mondta, hogy a főnöke apró hibák miatt zaklatja.
The tabloids persecuted her with intrusive questions after the trial.
A bulvárlapok a tárgyalás után tolakodó kérdésekkel zaklatták őt.
Stop persecuting your little brother and let him play in peace.
Learner examples
She felt persecuted at school.
Úgy érezte, zaklatják az iskolában.
Don’t persecute him with questions.
Ne zaklasd kérdésekkel.
Common mistake:
In this sense it is still strong and negative; for mild annoyance, words like "pester" are more common.
Meaning
harass or trouble repeatedly
Collocations
persecute someone relentlessly
|persecute someone with questions
|feel persecuted at work
|persecute a colleague
|persecute a neighbor
|persecute someone for years
|persecute someone unfairly
|persecute someone over minor mistakes
Synonyms
harass (common and direct; often used for repeated unwanted behavior.)
|
hound (suggests pursuing someone aggressively with demands or criticism.)
|
torment (emphasizes causing severe mental suffering.)
Antonyms
leave alone (means stop bothering someone.)
|
support (means help rather than trouble someone.)
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|work
Definition
to keep bothering or bullying someone
To repeatedly harass, bully, or trouble someone in a way that causes distress.
VERB
C2
LITERARY
3
üldöz
B2
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone]
The soldiers persecuted the retreating army for miles.
A katonák kilométereken át üldözték a visszavonuló sereget.
In the story, the hero is persecuted by assassins sent by the king.
A történetben a hőst a király által küldött orgyilkosok üldözik.
Common mistake:
This sense is uncommon in everyday English; "chase" or "hunt down" is usually used instead.
Meaning
pursue to catch or harm
Collocations
persecute an enemy
|persecute the fleeing troops
|persecute someone across the border
Synonyms
pursue (neutral about motive; can lack the sense of cruelty.)
|
hunt down (stronger; suggests searching for someone to capture or kill.)
Antonyms
evade (means avoid capture instead of pursuing.)
|
retreat (means move away rather than pursue.)
Themes
conflict
|crime
Definition
to chase someone to hurt or punish them
To pursue someone in order to catch, attack, or punish them.
Grammar
Dictionary form
persecute
IPA
GB/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
US/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
Syllables & stress
per - se - cute (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: persecute
- 3rd Person Singular: persecutes
- Present Participle: persecuting
- Past: persecuted
Word family
Forms
persecutes
verb
persecuting
verb
persecuted
verb
Core family
persecution
noun B2
persecutor
noun
Advanced or less common
persecutory
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.