from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Persecute \Per"se*cute\, v. t. [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.
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Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
--Matt. v. 44.
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2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent
solicitations; to annoy. --Johnson.
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Syn: To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.
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