as in harassment
something that causes mental distress
The media's constant persecution was beginning to affect their lives.
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Recent Examples of persecution
People fleeing persecution who’d actually qualified for protection were denied it outright.
—
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Amish communities descend from Anabaptist Christians who fled persecution in Europe and emphasize living simply, eschewing many modern technologies.
—Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
When any group, especially one with a long history of persecution, is singled out, scapegoated or attacked, the foundation of liberty is at risk for everyone.
—Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
Derinkuyu helped protect Arab Muslims during the Arab-Byzantine wars, served as a refuge from the Ottomans in the 14th century, and as a haven for Armenians escaping persecution in the early 20th century, among other functions.
—ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Amish communities descend from Anabaptist Christians who fled persecution in Europe and emphasize living simply, eschewing many modern technologies.
—Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
When any group, especially one with a long history of persecution, is singled out, scapegoated or attacked, the foundation of liberty is at risk for everyone.
—Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
Derinkuyu helped protect Arab Muslims during the Arab-Byzantine wars, served as a refuge from the Ottomans in the 14th century, and as a haven for Armenians escaping persecution in the early 20th century, among other functions.
—ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for persecution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persecution
Noun
-
And so when something went wrong or something went against his wishes, why, there would be a display of anger.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
-
Brown was also instructed to attend an anger management program and undergo a psychological/psychiatric evaluation.—
Bob Harkins,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
His answer: a serum powered by a first-of-its-kind vitamin A derivative, formulated to penetrate deeper than off-the-shelf retinoids—without the ingredient’s signature irritation.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
-
They’ve been linked to headaches, throat irritation, hormone disruption and, with long-term exposure, chronic diseases.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persecution. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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