Definition

Noun: 1. The act or practice of systematically oppressing, harassing, or causing suffering to a person or group, especially because of their race, religion, political beliefs, or other identifying characteristic. This involves prolonged, cruel, and unfair treatment intended to harm, punish, or eliminate the targeted individuals.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The refugees fled their homeland to escape religious persecution.
  • Throughout history, many minority groups have faced severe persecution.
  • The journalist was arrested under false charges, which many saw as political persecution.

Advanced Usage

• "To suffer persecution": To be subjected to or endure persecution.
  • The community continued to suffer persecution for their beliefs.
• "Persecution complex" (also called "persecution mania"): A psychological state in which a person believes they are being persecuted, harassed, or plotted against, often without sufficient evidence.
  • His constant accusations stemmed from a deep-seated persecution complex.

Variants and Related Words

• Persecute (verb): To subject someone to persecution.
  • The regime sought to persecute its political opponents.
• Persecutor (noun): A person who persecutes others.
  • The victims confronted their former persecutors in court.

Synonyms

• Oppression
• Victimization
• Harassment
• Tyranny
• Maltreatment

Antonyms

• Protection
• Toleration
• Acceptance
• Sanctuary

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Witch hunt": A campaign directed against a person or group holding unorthodox or unpopular views, often involving persecution on false or exaggerated charges.
  • The senator described the investigation as a political witch hunt.

Noun

1. the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)