What does persecute mean?
Persecute is a forceful verb meaning to subject someone to continuing and unfair mistreatment, oppression, or harassment. Its most common use is historical or political: a person, group, institution, or government may persecute minorities, opponents, or people who hold particular beliefs. In this sense, it describes both mistreatment and the systematic targeting behind it, often over an extended period. The word can also describe relentless pursuit or harassment, although this secondary sense is more figurative. Persecute carries a strong moral and emotional charge, so it is normally reserved for serious abuse rather than routine criticism, competition, or disagreement. The related noun persecution describes the practice or condition, while persecutor refers to someone who carries it out. The word comes from Latin, where its literal sense was “follow closely” or “pursue,” before the word came to describe the cruel consequences of relentless targeting.
verbTo subject someone to持续 and unfair harm, mistreatment, or oppression, especially because of their beliefs, identity, or actions. It can also mean to pursue someone persistently and harassingly.
- To subject people to harsh, persistent, and unfair treatment, especially on the basis of their beliefs, identity, or social position.
- To pursue or attack someone repeatedly and insistently.
"The regime persecuted minorities for decades, imprisoning and displacing thousands of people."
"Religious minorities were persecuted under the new law."
"The newspaper was hounded by critics who persecuted its reporters for months."
From the Latin persequi, persecute literally meant to follow closely or pursue; the word's darker history follows from relentless pursuit becoming relentless oppression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persecute come from?
The English word derives from Latin persequi, a compound of per- and sequi, meaning “to follow after” or “pursue.” Its past participle, persecutus, gave rise to forms associated with following and, by extension, tracking down or mistreating. Cognates include pursue, prosecute, and prosecution, all of which reflect the same broader root associated with following, pursuing, and bringing someone before an authority.
Related word forms
How persecute is actually used
The word is strongly negative and usually implies serious, sustained mistreatment rather than ordinary criticism or disagreement. It is common in historical and political contexts, especially discussions of religious, racial, and gender-based persecution.
Easily confused with persecute
Persecuting means inflicting continuing harm or oppression, whereas prosecuting means formally bringing criminal charges against someone.