persecute

/'pə:sikju:t/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb: 1. To subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race, political, or religious beliefs: To systematically oppress, harass, or cause to suffer, often over a prolonged period. 2. To annoy or trouble persistently: To bother someone continually.

Usage

The verb "persecute" is used to describe the act of systematically mistreating an individual or group. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person or group being persecuted). It often appears in contexts of severe social, political, or religious oppression.

Examples

  1. Systematic oppression:

    • The regime was known to persecute political dissidents.
    • Throughout history, many minority groups have been persecuted for their beliefs.

  2. Persistent annoyance:

    • He felt persecuted by the constant phone calls from telemarketers.
    • Stop persecuting me with your complaints!
Advanced Usage

  • "To be persecuted for one's beliefs": A common collocation highlighting the cause of the mistreatment.

    • They fled the country after being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

  • Passive voice construction: Frequently used to describe the victim's experience.

    • Many journalists are persecuted for reporting the truth.
Variants and Related Words

  • Persecution (noun): The act or instance of persecuting.

    • They sought asylum to escape persecution.

  • Persecutor (noun): A person who persecutes.

    • The persecutors showed no mercy.
Synonyms
  • Oppress: To keep in subservience and hardship, especially by unjust exercise of authority.
  • Harass: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
  • Victimize: To single someone out for cruel or unjust treatment.
Antonyms
  • Protect: To keep safe from harm or injury.
  • Cherish: To protect and care for lovingly.
  • Defend: To resist an attack made on someone.
Related Phrases and Idioms

  • "Witch hunt": A campaign directed against a person or group holding unorthodox or unpopular views, often implying unfair persecution.

    • The investigation was denounced as a political witch hunt.

  • "To persecute someone with questions": To trouble or harass someone by asking many questions.

    • The reporter persecuted the celebrity with questions about her private life.
Verb
  1. cause to suffer
    • Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet Union

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ có nhắc đến "persecute"