per·se·cute 
/ˈpɚsɪˌkju:t/ verb
per·se·cutes; per·se·cut·ed; per·se·cut·ing /ˈpɚsɪˌkju:t/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs
▪ The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime. ▪ They were persecuted for their beliefs. ▪ a persecuted minority/people 2 : to constantly annoy or bother (someone)
▪ He complained about being persecuted [=harassed] by the media.
▪ The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime. ▪ They were persecuted for their beliefs. ▪ a persecuted minority/people
▪ He complained about being persecuted [=harassed] by the media.
— per·se·cu·tion /ˌpɚsɪˈkju:ʃən/ noun
[noncount] ▪ They were victims of religious persecution. ▪ He was forced to flee the country to avoid persecution. [count] ▪ the persecutions of ethnic minorities
/ˌpɚsɪˈkju:ʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ They were victims of religious persecution. ▪ He was forced to flee the country to avoid persecution. [count] ▪ the persecutions of ethnic minorities
— per·se·cu·tor /ˈpɚsɪˌkju:tɚ/ noun, plural per·se·cu·tors [count]
/ˈpɚsɪˌkju:tɚ/ noun, plural per·se·cu·tors [count]
