Meaning ofpersecutein English

Verb

1. to afflict or punish with malignity (due to beliefs, etc.)
   The government has persecuted minority groups for their religious beliefs.
2. to harm or oppress because of identity; cruelty
   The bully persecuted the new student, making his life miserable.
3. to harass or annoy persistently
   The neighbor persecuted our family with constant noise complaints.