persecute
gb/pˈɚsəkjˌut/ us/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
oppress a group for identity
to be cruel to someone for who they are or what they believe
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone/a group] (for [their beliefs/identity])
Common mistake:
Don’t use it for one small rude act; it usually means repeated, serious unfair treatment.
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.)
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
Themes
society
|politics
|law
|human_rights
|conflict
Examples
- The regime persecuted activists who spoke out against corruption.
- In the past, many people were persecuted for their religion.
- She fled the country after being persecuted for her political views.
Learner examples
- They persecuted him because of his religion.
- Some groups are persecuted for their beliefs.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
harass or trouble repeatedly
to keep bothering or bullying someone
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone] (with [questions/complaints])
Common mistake:
In this sense it is still strong and negative; for mild annoyance, words like "pester" are more common.
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.)
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
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|work
Examples
- He said he was being persecuted by his manager for small mistakes.
- The tabloids persecuted her with intrusive questions after the trial.
- Stop persecuting your little brother and let him play in peace.
Learner examples
- She felt persecuted at school.
- Don’t persecute him with questions.
Verb
literary
C2
action
3
pursue to catch or harm
to chase someone to hurt or punish them
Usage pattern:
persecute [someone]
Common mistake:
This sense is uncommon in everyday English; "chase" or "hunt down" is usually used instead.
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.)
Collocations
persecute an enemy
|persecute the fleeing troops
|persecute someone across the border
Themes
conflict
|crime
Examples
- The soldiers persecuted the retreating army for miles.
- In the story, the hero is persecuted by assassins sent by the king.
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.