persecution
noun
per·se·cu·tion
ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən 
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
The Chavista system suppressed the opposition and dissenting voices and turned the courts and police into instruments for the persecution of political opponents.
—
Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
The tightening of the reins in the British Mandate for Palestine comes as Adolf Hitler and Germany invade Poland, triggering the beginnings of World War II, and as Jewish refugees fleeing persecution begin entering the region.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
The Frenchman fled Europe during the Nazi persecution of the Jews in 1939 before eventually settling in Brazil.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Nigeria is ranked the seventh-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, accounting for 72% of the total number of Christian killings worldwide in 2025, according to Open Doors, a global Christian charity.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
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Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
The tightening of the reins in the British Mandate for Palestine comes as Adolf Hitler and Germany invade Poland, triggering the beginnings of World War II, and as Jewish refugees fleeing persecution begin entering the region.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
The Frenchman fled Europe during the Nazi persecution of the Jews in 1939 before eventually settling in Brazil.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Nigeria is ranked the seventh-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, accounting for 72% of the total number of Christian killings worldwide in 2025, according to Open Doors, a global Christian charity.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persecution
noun
per·se·cu·tion
ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or practice of persecuting
2
: the condition of being persecuted
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