persecution
UK[ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃn̩]US[ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn̩]
n
The act of treating someone cruelly and unfairly, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.
n
The condition of being treated in this way.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
secut
ion
per
through, thoroughly
secut
follow
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'persecution' traces a direct path from Latin, entering English via Old French. Its core components are the intensive prefix per- (meaning "thoroughly") and the root secut- from sequi (to follow). The original Latin verb persequi meant "to follow with hostile intent," "to pursue," or "to prosecute." This literal sense of dogged, thorough pursuit evolved in Christian Latin to specifically denote the hostile pursuit of believers for their faith. Over centuries, the term broadened in English to encompass the systematic, cruel, and oppressive treatment of any group or individual based on their identity or beliefs, while retaining its core implication of a relentless, targeted campaign.
Analysis
Structure: per (through, thoroughly) + secut (follow) + ion (noun suffix)
- per: Latin origin. A prefix meaning "through," "thoroughly," or "to completion."
- secut: Latin origin. A root from the verb sequi (to follow), appearing here in a participial form.
- ion: Latin/French origin. A noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
Many fled the country to escape religious persecution.
The history of that regime is marked by the persecution of ethnic minorities.
She spoke out against the political persecution of journalists.