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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Persecute \Per"se*cute\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Persecuted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Persecuting}.] [F. pers['e]cueter, L. persequi, persecutus, to pursue, prosecute; per + sequi to follow, pursue. See {Per-}, and {Second}.]
1. To pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship.
Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. --Matt. v. 44.
2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy. --Johnson.
Syn: To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |