Definition for Persecute:

• To harass with unjust and cruel treatment, specially on account of religious opinions; to harass with importunity.

Synonyms for Persecute:

• n.

  •
  • beat,
  • bait,
  • hector,
  • expel,
  • provoke,
  • irritate,
  • exile.
  •
  • annoy,
  • use,
  • tease,
  • mistreat,
  • bother.

• v.

  •punish (verb)
  • imprison,
  • confine,
  • chastise,
  • burden,
  • distress,
  • chasten,
  • pillory,
  • execute,
  • punish,
  • correct,
  • lambaste,
  • Keelhaul,
  • afflict,
  • castigate,
  • avenge,
  • judge,
  • penalize,
  • discipline,
  • try,
  • incarcerate,
  • anguish,
  • reprise,
  • agonize,
  • sentence,
  • fine.

Antonyms for Persecute:

• v.

  • wrong, torment
    console, aid, neglect, comfort, commend, reward, assist, delight, please, let go, help, ignore, protect, soothe, make happy.
  • Other antonyms:
    cherish, assist, protect, gratify, help, praise, applaud, please, quiet, uphold, extol, reprieve, delight, satisfy, console, deliver, succor, release, abet, eulogize, soothe, oblige, consider, laud, comfort, content, care for, reassure, assure, gladden, favor, aid, shield, cheer, sustain, solace, conserve, Panegyrize, regard, tend, vindicate, relieve, benefit, respect.

Hypernym for Persecute:

• v.

  • social
    purge.

Hyponym for Persecute:

• v.

  • social
    torment, frustrate, dun, rag, bedevil, crucify.