Persecuting

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Persecute \Per"se*cute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Persecuted}; p.
     pr. & vb. n. {Persecuting}.] [F. pers['e]cueter, 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]