Persecute
/ˈpɜːr.sɪ.kjuːt/noun
To harass or oppress someone repeatedly, especially because of their identity or beliefs.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin and originally meant “to follow through to the end,” before it hardened into the idea of hunting someone relentlessly, especially in religious and political violence.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
persequi
“to follow through, pursue closely, chase after”
Late Latin
Latin
persecutus
“followed after, pursued”
Old French
Old French
persequer
“to pursue, harass”
Middle English
English
persecuten
“to pursue with hostility; oppress”
Modern English
English
persecute
“to harass, oppress, or target repeatedly”
Explore more surprising origins