Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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. --Johnson.

   Syn: To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.

Source : WordNet®

persecute
     v : cause to suffer; "Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet
         Union" [syn: {oppress}]