persécuter

to persecute, to harass

verb pehr-seh-kü-TEH Rare

Usage Note

Persécuter implies systematic, ongoing mistreatment of someone based on identity, belief, or position. The related noun persécution describes the act, and persécuté (noun/adjective) describes the victim. It can also be used informally to mean someone who relentlessly pesters another person.

Examples

"Ce régime persécutait les minorités religieuses."

Natural Translation

This regime persecuted religious minorities.

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