persecuted

persecuted \persecuted\ adj.
   Same as {oppressed}.

   Syn: downtrodden, oppressed.
        [WordNet 1.5]
    

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
            which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
                                                  --Matt. v. 44.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent
      solicitations; to annoy. --Johnson.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.
        [1913 Webster]
    

28 Moby Thesaurus words for "persecuted":
      badgered, baited, bedeviled, beset, bugged, bullyragged, chivied,
      deviled, dogged, fretted, harassed, harried, haunted, heckled,
      hectored, hounded, needled, nipped at, pestered, picked on,
      plagued, ragged, teased, tormented, vexed, worried, worried sick,
      worried stiff