persecute

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.)

protect (means keep someone safe rather than harm them.) | tolerate (means accept differences instead of punishing them.)

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

society |politics |law |human_rights |conflict

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.)

leave alone (means stop bothering someone.) | support (means help rather than trouble someone.)

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

relationships |emotions |work

pursue (neutral about motive; can lack the sense of cruelty.) | hunt down (stronger; suggests searching for someone to capture or kill.)

evade (means avoid capture instead of pursuing.) | retreat (means move away rather than pursue.)

persecute an enemy |persecute the fleeing troops |persecute someone across the border

conflict |crime