Persecution
/ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/
Definitions
Hostile and unfair treatment, especially because of someone's race, religion, or political beliefs.
/ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/
Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs.
The refugees fled their country to escape political persecution.
💡 Simply: Imagine people being picked on or treated badly just because of who they are, like if someone is always bullied for their religion or what they believe in. It's like being chased and hurt because of something that makes you, you!
👶 For kids: When someone is being mean to you because of who you are or what you believe.
More Examples
Throughout history, religious minorities have suffered persecution.
The witness faced persecution from the criminal's associates.
How It's Used
"The systematic persecution of minority groups is a violation of human rights."
"The Holocaust was a horrific period of persecution against Jewish people."
"Early Christians faced severe persecution from the Roman Empire."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
scapegoat for persecution
To make someone a target of persecution, blaming them for problems they did not cause.
"The government made the minority group the scapegoat for persecution, blaming them for economic woes."
suffering persecution
Experiencing persecution or being subjected to hostile and unfair treatment.
"Many human rights activists have suffered persecution for their work."
From Middle English persecucioun, from Old French persecucion, from Latin persecutio ('pursuit, prosecution, persecution'), from persecutus, past participle of persequor ('pursue, persecute').
The term has been used since the late 14th century to describe acts of religious and political repression.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pursuit' gone wrong, where someone is constantly being hunted and treated unfairly due to their identity or beliefs.
Word Origin
"pursuit, prosecution"