persecute
C2Substantiv/US /pˈɝsəkjˌuːt/ PƏRS-əky-o͞ot; UK /pˈɝsəkjˌuːt/ PƏRS-əky-o͞ot/
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.
