persecute
Definitions
To treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long period, especially for their beliefs, race, or identity
迫害，残害（尤指因信仰、种族或身份）
To harass or pester someone persistently
纠缠，骚扰
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (thoroughly, all the way) + secut (chase) = to chase someone relentlessly. Where prosecute pursues through the courts, persecute pursues to torment — hounding people for who they are or what they believe.
Root sequ still carries 21 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.persecute minorities迫害少数群体
- 2.be persecuted for因……而受迫害
- 3.religiously persecuted受宗教迫害
- 4.persecute relentlessly穷追迫害
Example Sentences
- 1.
Religious minorities were persecuted under the old regime.
- 2.
She felt persecuted by the constant criticism at work.
- 3.
Thousands fled the country to escape persecution.
Easily Confused
persecute vs prosecute — see prosecute. persecute = cruelty (per-, hound thoroughly); prosecute = law (pro-, take forward to court). Also persecute vs harass: harass is lower-intensity bothering; persecute implies sustained, often systematic oppression.