persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce persecution (audio)
Synonyms of persecution
1
: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
2
: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

Examples of persecution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With Magic Lessons, released in 2020, Hoffman told the tale of Maria Owens, who began the ancestral line of family witches after surviving persecution at the Salem witch trials. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 The couple’s immediate descendants became the victims of persecution from the Nazis, and Colorful Life was sold at auction under uncertain conditions in 1940. — News Desk, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Primarily based in Myanmar, many of the group have fled to Malaysia over the years to avoid persecution. — Titus Ruscitti, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Bartko, who earned degrees in civil engineering and law in Belarus, fled her home country on a student visa to avoid political persecution over her vocal opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persecution

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persecution was in the 14th century

Rhymes for persecution

See All Rhymes for persecution

Browse Nearby Words

persecutingly
persecution
persecutional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persecution

noun
per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce persecution (audio)
1
: the act or practice of persecuting
2
: the condition of being persecuted

Legal Definition

persecution

noun
per·​se·​cu·​tion
: punishment or harassment usually of a severe nature on the basis of race, religion, or political opinion in one's country of origin
claimed persecution and sought asylum

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for persecution

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