How do you use the word "persecute" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "persecute": Sedition laws are usually used to persecute peaceful left-wing activists.

Persecute Meaning

/ˈpɝsəkjut/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

verbTo pursue in a manner to do harm or cruelty to; especially, because of the victim's race, sexual identity, or adherence to a particular belief.

verbTo harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.

Sentence Examples

Sedition laws are usually used to persecute peaceful left-wing activists.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

oppress

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

The authoritarian government began to ____ anyone who criticized its policies.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

Authoritarian governments often ____ journalists who dare to report the truth about their actions.

Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Middle French persécuter, from Ecclesiastical Latin persecutor, from Latin persequor, persecutus (“follow up, pursue”), from per- (“through”) + sequor (“follow”) (English sequel). Compare prosecute. Cf. also pursue.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"I have heard, brethren, how sharply Antichrist persecuteth you, in vexing the faithful servants of Christ with divers and strange kinds of afflictions." — 1563 March 30 (Gregorian calendar), John Foxe, Actes and Monuments of These Latter and Perillous Dayes, […], London: […] Iohn Day, […], →OCLC:

""Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."" — 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 5:44:

"One of the village's most notable sons was Thomas Grantham, a Baptist church leader born in 1634, who was persecuted and imprisoned in the struggle for nonconformist beliefs during the reign of Charles II." — 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 214, about Halton Holegate:

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