persecution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)

WordNet

Per`se*cu"tion noun
Etymology
F. persécution, L. persecutio.
Definitions
  1. The act or practice of persecuting; especially, the infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed or mode of worship.
    Persecution produces no sincere conviction. Paley.
  2. The state or condition of being persecuted. Locke.
  3. A carrying on; prosecution. Obs.

Webster 1913