好词典
persecute
UK //ˈpɜːsɪkjuːt//US //ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt//
词源
源自拉丁语 'persequi'（意为‘追捕、追踪’），后经古法语 'persécuter' 进入英语，原义与‘持续追捕’相关，后引申为系统性压迫。
verb
❶ 因种族、宗教或政治观点等原因，长期不公平地对待或虐待某人，使其遭受痛苦或困扰。
“Many religious minorities were persecuted throughout history.”
（历史上许多宗教少数群体曾遭受迫害。）
“The dictator persecuted anyone who opposed his regime.”
（独裁者迫害任何反对他政权的人。）
同义词:oppress, victimize, harass
常见短语
persecute someone for something — 因某事（如信仰、观点等）而迫害某人，强调迫害的具体原因。
“They were persecuted for their political activism.”
（他们因政治活动而受到迫害。）