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 result is a drama of surprising universality, in which a well-to-do couple becomes the target of unjust dismissals and persecution for political wrongthink against the Turkish regime.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
An asylum officer later found the family had a credible fear of persecution, according to Mukherjee.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Fox News Digital has reported over the decades on the Islamic Republic’s high-intensity persecution of Iranian Christians in the wake of the growing popularity of Christianity in the Muslim-majority country.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
In Oklahoma, Pastor Hau Suan Khai started hearing about cancellations from Christian refugees who, like him, had come to the US fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
—Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persecution
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Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
An asylum officer later found the family had a credible fear of persecution, according to Mukherjee.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Fox News Digital has reported over the decades on the Islamic Republic’s high-intensity persecution of Iranian Christians in the wake of the growing popularity of Christianity in the Muslim-majority country.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
In Oklahoma, Pastor Hau Suan Khai started hearing about cancellations from Christian refugees who, like him, had come to the US fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
—Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 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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