persecute

verb

To 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.

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

To kill many of one species of animal, with the intent of removing them from human habitats.

Roots

sequorsecut- · Latin · follow

Synonyms for persecute

oppressv harassv chivyv mistreatv bullyragv tyrannizev victimizev molestv tormentn punishv maltreatv subjugatev pesterv

Synonyms & related words for persecute

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of persecute — including oppress, harass, chivy, mistreat, bullyrag, tyrannize. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to persecute

Explore words related to persecute — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include persecution, persecutors, vilify, ballyrag, brutalize, revile, prosecute, calumniate. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for persecute

Common synonyms for persecute include oppress, harass, chivy, mistreat, bullyrag, tyrannize, victimize, molest — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does persecute come from?

The word persecute breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root secut-, from Latin sequor (“follow”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.