persecution — hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɜːrsɪˌkjuːʃən/
Example Sentences
- The superhero complained about persecution from villains, but honestly, he started most of the fights.
- Historical records show widespread persecution of minorities during that era.
- My cat thinks any attempt to give him a bath is persecution of the worst kind.
persecution
NOUN[/ˈpɜːrsɪˌkjuːʃən/]
hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
Religious persecution by hostile authorities
When constitution tears, execution appears
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'persequi', meaning 'to pursue to the end' or 'to chase'. The term evolved from its literal sense of relentless pursuit—as a hunter pursues prey—to denote the systematic harassment, oppression, or torment of a person or group.
Breakdown
per- (completely, thoroughly) + sequi (to follow, pursue) + -tion (action or process), literally 'the act of following through to completion' but semantically developed to mean organized harassment or oppression.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The superhero complained about persecution from villains, but honestly, he started most of the fights.”
“Historical records show widespread persecution of minorities during that era.”
“My cat thinks any attempt to give him a bath is persecution of the worst kind.”
“The organization was founded to help refugees fleeing persecution.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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