v. t. | 1. | To pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship. |
2. | To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy. |
Verb | 1. | persecute - cause to suffer; "Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet Union" Synonyms: oppress |