Need another word for Persecute? Use these synonyms of Persecute from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
harass
mistreat
oppress
torment
tyrannize
intimidate
abuse
maltreat
ill-treat
brutalize
victimize
terrorize
hound
plague
beset
harass
persecute
persecure
afflict
trouble
bother
annoy
vex
irritate
disturb
perturb
badger
harry
worry
torment
tease
taunt
mock
ridicule
scorn
deride
lampoon
satirize
pillory
crucify
excoriate
vilify
defame
slander
libel
calumniate
asperse
traduce
impugn
assail
attack
assault
besmirch
smear
blacken
denigrate
depreciate
deprecate
disparage
belittle
minimize
derogate
decry
condemn
denounce
reprehend
reprobate
censure
criticize
reproach
rebuke
reprove
admonish
chide
scold
upbraid
reprimand
castigate
flog
lash
whip
flagellate
scourge
thrash
beat
batter
bruise
maul
manhandle
roughhandle
roughride
roughhouse
maltreat
illtreat
mis treat
Meaning of Persecute
to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs
Definitions
- To pursue or harass someone with the intention of causing them harm or suffering
- * To treat someone unfairly or cruelly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs
- * To annoy or bother someone constantly
Etymology of Persecute
The word "persecute" comes from the Latin "persecutus", which is the past participle of "persequi", meaning "to pursue" or "to follow"
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of pursuing or harassing someone, especially because of their beliefs or opinions
Example Uses
- The government was accused of persecuting minority groups and denying them their basic human rights
- * She was persecuted by her classmates for her unusual appearance and interests
- * The company was persecuted by the media for its controversial business practices
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
support
protect
defend
shield
safeguard
preserve
conserve
save
rescue
deliver
liberate
free
emancipate
redeem
vindicate
justify
excuse
acquit
exonerate
absolve
pardon
forgive
tolerate
endure
bear
suffer
brook
abide
permit
allow
enable
facilitate
help
assist
aid
relieve
alleviate
mitigate
soothe
comfort
console
solace
reassure
encourage
uplift
hearten
cheer
gladden
delight
please
gratify
satisfy
appease
placate
conciliate
propitiate
pacify
calm
tranquilize
serenade
lull