What does persecution mean?
Persecution is the cruel, repeated, or systematic mistreatment of people, particularly when it is directed at someone because of their religious beliefs, political views, identity, or group membership. It can also describe serious harassment directed at an individual. The word is stronger and more serious than ordinary unfairness: it suggests harm that is sustained, deliberate, and often organized. In historical and political contexts, persecution frequently refers to the oppression of religious minorities, dissidents, journalists, or other vulnerable groups. The related verb is “persecute,” meaning to subject someone to severe or repeated mistreatment. While “discrimination” focuses on unequal treatment, persecution implies a more pervasive campaign of intimidation, abuse, or oppression. The term is used in both formal legal and historical writing and in contemporary reporting on human rights, religious freedom, and targeted abuse.
nounThe cruel, persistent, or systematic mistreatment of someone, especially because of their beliefs, identity, or membership in a group. The word can also refer more generally to severe and repeated harassment or oppression.
- Severe or systematic mistreatment of people because of their beliefs, identity, or group membership.
- The act of harassing, intimidating, or repeatedly targeting someone.
- The condition of being subjected to cruel or oppressive treatment.
"The community endured years of persecution before gaining legal recognition and protection."
"The witnesses described years of persecution by government agents."
"Her online comments exposed her to harassment and persecution from strangers."
"The report documented the persecution of journalists and minority communities."
The noun is normally used in the singular or uncountable sense for the general concept, while the plural can refer to separate campaigns or instances of oppression.
"The history records numerous persecutions of religious and political minorities."
Persecution is more than unfair treatment: it carries the sense of a sustained campaign intended to intimidate, harm, or destroy a person or group.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of persecution
The word comes through Middle English from Latin persecutio, a noun formed from persequi, “to pursue diligently, prosecute, or persecute.” The underlying Latin root combines per- and sequi, meaning “to follow” or “to pursue.” In English, the word initially referred to persistent pursuit or legal prosecution before developing its modern sense of harsh and systematic oppression. Related legal terms such as “prosecution” and “prosecutor” ultimately reflect the same Latin root, although their present meanings are distinct.
Related word forms
How persecution is actually used
The term is usually strongly negative and often implies persistent or organized mistreatment. It is especially common in discussions of religious, political, ethnic, and gender-based oppression.
Easily confused with persecution
Persecution refers to mistreatment or oppression, whereas prosecution refers to the legal or disciplinary process of bringing an offender to account.
Discrimination involves unequal treatment based on group identity, while persecution typically involves more severe, sustained, and harmful treatment.