Inglês

persecute

gb/pˈɚsəkjˌut/ us/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
C1 Inglês
Aceções
0 aceções
Verbo formal C1 action
1

oppress a group for identity

to be cruel to someone for who they are or what they believe

Padrão de uso: persecute [someone/a group] (for [their beliefs/identity])
Erro comum:
Don’t use it for one small rude act; it usually means repeated, serious unfair treatment.
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
protect (means keep someone safe rather than harm them.) | tolerate (means accept differences instead of punishing them.)
Colocações
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
Temas
society |politics |law |human_rights |conflict
Exemplos
  • 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.
Exemplos para aprendentes
  • They persecuted him because of his religion.
  • Some groups are persecuted for their beliefs.
Verbo formal C1 action
2

harass or trouble repeatedly

to keep bothering or bullying someone

Padrão de uso: persecute [someone] (with [questions/complaints])
Erro comum:
In this sense it is still strong and negative; for mild annoyance, words like "pester" are more common.
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
leave alone (means stop bothering someone.) | support (means help rather than trouble someone.)
Colocações
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
Temas
relationships |emotions |work
Exemplos
  • 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.
Exemplos para aprendentes
  • She felt persecuted at school.
  • Don’t persecute him with questions.
Verbo literary C2 action
3

pursue to catch or harm

to chase someone to hurt or punish them

Padrão de uso: persecute [someone]
Erro comum:
This sense is uncommon in everyday English; "chase" or "hunt down" is usually used instead.
Sinónimos
pursue (neutral about motive; can lack the sense of cruelty.) | hunt down (stronger; suggests searching for someone to capture or kill.)
Antónimos
evade (means avoid capture instead of pursuing.) | retreat (means move away rather than pursue.)
Colocações
persecute an enemy |persecute the fleeing troops |persecute someone across the border
Temas
conflict |crime
Exemplos
  • The soldiers persecuted the retreating army for miles.
  • In the story, the hero is persecuted by assassins sent by the king.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
persecute
IPA
GB/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
US/pˈɚsəkjˌut/
Sílabas e acento
per - se - cute (3 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Formas da palavra
Verb
  • Base: persecute
  • 3rd Person Singular: persecutes
  • Present Participle: persecuting
  • Past: persecuted
Família de palavras
Forms
persecutes verb persecuting verb persecuted verb
Core family
persecution noun B2 persecutor noun
Advanced or less common
persecutory adjective
Expressões

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