Definition of 'persecution'

Word Frequency

persecution

(pɜrsɪkyuʃən )

Word forms: persecutions

countable noun

Persecution is cruel and unfair treatment of a person or group, especially because of their religious or political beliefs, or their race.

...the persecution of minorities.

...victims of political persecution.

Video: pronunciation of 'persecution'

Word Frequency

persecution in American

(ˌpɜrsəˈkjuʃən ; pʉrˌsəkyo̅oˈshən)

noun

a persecuting or being persecuted

Word origin of 'persecution'

ME persecucion < OFr < L persecutio

Word Frequency

persecution in British

(ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃən )

noun

the act of persecuting or the state of being persecuted

Example sentences containing 'persecution'

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Can we define anyone fleeing war or persecution as an'economic' refugee? Times, Sunday Times (2016)Yet in the West, this targeted religious persecution is all but invisible. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Women who come to this country fleeing persecution are too often denied access to justice. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The union claims that it is the victim of political persecution. Times, Sunday Times (2014)We also have a full coverage area on persecution and international religious freedom. Christianity Today (2000)This persecution complex began abruptly two years ago with a swoop on suspected insider traders. Times, Sunday Times (2012)In addition to economic migration there are those fleeing war and persecution or seeking asylum. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It was quite natural to claim persecution in the country of origin. Bramwell, Anna C Refugees in the Age of Total War (1988)But the political persecution cast a dark shadow. Times, Sunday Times (2012)This religious persecution is causing problems where none existed. The Sun (2011)The man with a persecution complex who sees conspiracies where there are none. The Sun (2015)And we should offer haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution. The Sun (2016)It has the requisite dose of evidence of a persecution complex but it widens the net. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Almost all say they are fleeing war or persecution. Times, Sunday Times (2014)That should be our message too: we should shield those escaping political and religious persecution. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Economic migrants are usually taken care of by assessing the credibility of their claim of a fear of persecution in their country of origin. Times, Sunday Times (2015)I know about the brutality and political persecution. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Their task is difficult enough, given the cultural baggage of their religion, without facing unfair persecution. Times, Sunday Times (2014)