# persecution

/ˌpɝsəkˈjuʃən/ (US) · /pˌɜːsɪkjˈuːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/persecution
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

unfair or cruel treatment of a group of people over a long time. This usually happens because of their religion, race, or political beliefs.

For teachers: systematic hostility and ill-treatment of a person or group, especially on the grounds of religious or political beliefs, or ethnic identity.

## Examples

- The family fled their country to escape religious persecution.
- Historians have documented the systematic persecution of minority groups during the regime's decade in power.
- The legal framework was specifically designed to protect vulnerable populations from state-sponsored persecution and to ensure the right to peaceful assembly.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general concept of ill-treatment; countable when referring to specific historical instances or campaigns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.