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Persecution is the act of harassing or oppressing a person or a group of people, especially because of their identity.

Throughout history, people have faced persecution because of their religion, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and many other factors.

Example: People have been using the forum to call attention to the ongoing persecution of Muslims.

The first records of the word persecution in English come from the 1300s. The verb persecute is actually a more recent addition to English than persecution—the first records of it come from the 1400s. It derives from Late Latin ��������ū�ٴǰ�, which means “pursuer,” from the verb ����������ī, meaning “to prosecute,” “to pursue closely,” or “to take vengeance upon.”

Persecution often involves ongoing violence and other forms of harassment. Groups are often targeted for persecution when they are in the minority where they live—when they do not hold power. Members of all major religions—including Jews, Muslims, and Christians—have faced persecution during many periods throughout history and still face it today in parts of the world where other religions are more dominant. Racial and ethnic minorities constantly face persecution in the form of discrimination and harsh treatment. Gay people and people with differing gender identities have historically been persecuted and forced to hide their identity. Sometimes, people are persecuted for their political beliefs, especially when they go against the ruling government. Scientists have faced persecution for introducing ideas considered dangerous to those in power. Persecution is not a thing of the past. It happens every day all over the world.

What are some other forms related to persecution?

• persecutional (adjective)
• nonpersecution (noun)

What are some synonyms for persecution?

• oppression
• mistreatment

What are some words that share a root or word element with persecution?��

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• prosecute
• persecution complex

What are some words that often get used in discussing persecution?

• harassment
• discrimination
• prejudice
• minority
• expulsion
• abuse
• inequality
• injustice

What are some words persecution may be commonly confused with?

• prosecution

Many groups around the world face persecution, and it is a frequent topic of debate.

On �� a special thought to all the women forced to flee home because of war and persecution.

— Valerio De Cesaris (@ValerioDeC)

Labour MP Khalid raised at the floor of British Parliament the issue of violence against and persecution of Muslims in India, and called for an official reaction from the government of UK

— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews)

Russian investigators have still not brought anyone to account for the horrific persecution of gay men in Chechnya.

— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK)

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Which of the following words could be considered an antonym (opposite) of persecution?

A. abuse
B. tolerance
C. inequality
D. injustice