1 persecute sb (for sth) (often passive 常用于被动语态) to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of race, religion or political beliefs （尤指因种族、宗教或政治信仰而）迫害（某人）

2 to deliberately annoy sb and make his/her life unpleasant 折磨 ➔persecution /ˌpɜ:sɪˈkju:ʃn ||; ˌpɝsɪˈkjuʃən/ noun [C,U] the persecution of minorities 对少数民族的迫害 ➔persecutor /ˈpɜ:sɪkju:tə(r) ||; ˈpɝsɪˌkjutɚ/ noun [C]