To treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a long time, especially because of their race, religion, or beliefs. It often involves harassment, violence, or legal pressure.
From Latin “persequi” meaning “to pursue, follow with hostility,” from “per-” (through) + “sequi” (to follow). The idea is of chasing someone down again and again in a harmful way.
Persecution is persistence turned evil—following someone ‘through and through’ for the purpose of harm. History shows that persecution often starts with words and laws long before it turns into open violence.
'Persecute' is broadly about systematic mistreatment, and women have been persecuted on gendered grounds (e.g., witch trials, criminalization of reproductive choices). The term appears in histories of gender-based violence and discrimination.
Use 'persecute' carefully and accurately for serious, systemic harm; avoid trivializing it for minor interpersonal conflicts. When relevant, name gender-based persecution explicitly.
["harass","oppress","systematically mistreat"]
Women activists, scholars, and survivors have documented gender-based persecution and pushed for its recognition in human rights and international law.
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