persecute

/ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/
verb
  1. To treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.
    • Throughout history, many groups have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
    • The government was accused of persecuting journalists who spoke out against it.
    • She felt that her boss was persecuting her by giving her the worst assignments.
  2. To annoy or harass someone persistently.
    • The paparazzi constantly persecute celebrities for photos.
    • Stop persecuting me with all these questions!
    • My little brother loves to persecute me by hiding my phone.
Antonyms
What does "persecute" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean