v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Persecuted p. pr. & vb. n. Persecuting. ] [ F. persécueter, 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 ]