persecuted
adj.adj. treated cruelly or unfairly over a long time, especially because of your race, religion, or political beliefs.
adj. subjected to persistent hostility and ill-treatment, particularly on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. Often used predicatively after 'feel' or 'be'.
The minority group felt persecuted by the new laws.
Throughout history, many scientists were persecuted for proposing ideas that challenged the established religious authorities of their time.
The refugees described a life of being systematically persecuted, citing restricted access to employment and constant surveillance as the primary drivers for their flight across the border.
Commonly follows the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'; often takes the preposition 'for' to indicate the reason for the treatment.
They were prosecuted for their religion.They were persecuted for their religion.Learners often confuse 'persecute' (to treat cruelly) with 'prosecute' (to take legal action against someone in court).