persecution persecution /ˌpɝːsəˈkjuːʃən/

noun

1. () (religion) the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)  ( persecution )
   (religion) the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)
     The religious minority faced severe persecution in the oppressive regime.
   The religious minority faced severe persecution in the oppressive regime.