persecute
Meaning
To treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.
To persistently harass or annoy someone.
Structure
Usage
Throughout history, many minority groups have been persecuted for their faith.
He claimed he was being persecuted by the media for his controversial views.
Stop persecuting your little brother and let him play in peace.
Etymology
The word "persecute" originates from the Latin persequi, a compound of per- ("through, thoroughly") and sequi ("to follow"). Its original, literal sense was "to follow through" or "to pursue relentlessly". This meaning evolved in Late Latin and Old French to specifically denote pursuing with hostile intent, such as hunting down or prosecuting. The modern abstract meaning of subjecting someone to sustained ill-treatment, especially for their beliefs, retains the core logic of a relentless, oppressive pursuit from its ancient roots.
Analysis
- per: A Latin preposition meaning "through", "thoroughly", or "to destruction". In this word, it acts as an intensifying prefix. - secute: Derived from the Latin verb sequi, meaning "to follow". The form "secute" is a direct substring representing the participial stem secut-.