persecution

noun

per·​se·​cu·​tion ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce persecution (audio)
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.
The man, who declined to give his name for fear of persecution due to his immigration status, recalled fearing for his life after the Taliban took control in 2021. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 31 July 2025 The group’s many critics say JVP enables a fringe of American Jews to act as tokens in a pro-Palestinian movement that ultimately seeks to harm the Jewish people by destroying the country created as a refuge for Jews facing persecution. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025 This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 The Druze, a religious minority comprising about 3 percent of Syria's population, are facing systematic persecution in Suwayda. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on persecution

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