What does persecuted mean?
Persecuted describes a person or group subjected to cruel, unjust, or sustained mistreatment. The word commonly refers to people targeted because of their religion, politics, race, gender, social identity, or activities, and it often implies that the mistreatment is organized or persistent rather than a single unfair incident. As the past tense and past participle of persecute, it can also describe someone hunted down or deliberately victimized. The expression may be used for serious discrimination, persecution, or abuse of power, although its tone is formal and morally emphatic. Understanding the word helps distinguish ordinary hardship from the deliberate and often systematic treatment of people viewed as threatening or undesirable. It remains especially relevant in discussions of human rights, historical atrocities, minority experiences, and institutional responsibility.
Subjected to persecution, cruel treatment, or unjust hostility, especially because of one's beliefs, identity, or activities.
"Thousands of persecuted people sought safety in neighboring countries."
Commonly used of individuals or groups targeted for their identity, beliefs, or social position; it conveys moral condemnation of the mistreatment.
Past tense and past participle of persecute: to hunt down, victimize, or subject someone to repeated cruel or unjust treatment.
"The authorities persecuted journalists who reported abuses."
In this use, the word is an inflected form and normally describes an action directed against someone.
The word reminds us that inequality often begins not with a dramatic attack but with repeated, normalized mistreatment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persecuted come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb persequi, meaning “to pursue” or “hunt down,” formed from per-, meaning “thoroughly,” and sequi, meaning “to follow.” English borrowed the related forms in the late Middle English period, initially referring to pursuit or investigation before the sense developed into repeated and unjustified mistreatment. The same root underlies persecution and persecutor, while modern cognates include pursue and pursuit.
How persecuted is actually used
The word is strongly moral and often suggests systematic or repeated mistreatment based on identity, belief, or affiliation. In legal and historical contexts, it can also refer to formal persecution by authorities.
Easily confused with persecuted
Persecuted means subjected to cruelty or unjust treatment, whereas prosecuted means brought before a court or formally accused of an offense.