persecute

About 0.53 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To pursue in a manner to do harm or cruelty to; especially, because of the victim's race, sexual identity, or adherence to a particular belief.

   He who persecutes one will persecute all.

2. verb To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.
3. verb To kill many of one species of animal, with the intent of removing them from human habitats.

   Humans have been persecuting wolves in this forest for centuries.

Similar words

oppress harass haunt monitor prosecute persecution continue pursue follow bully

Often followed by

the you them me and him us those her

Word family

persecuted persecutee persecutees persecutes persecuting persecutive persecutor persecutors persecutory