Persecute /(?)/

Per·se·cute

Persecute

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Persecuted; p. pr. & vb. n. Persecuting

  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.
    Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
    — Matt. v. 44.
  2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.