persecution

Everyday

1. Cruel and unfair treatment of a person or group, especially because of their religion, race, beliefs or who they are. tree →
2. (church, history) The persecution of the early Christians by some Roman emperors, and the persecution of many faith groups through history and today. tree →

In the lessons

In religion and history lessons pupils learn about persecution of Christians, Jews, Muslims and others, and about people fleeing persecution as refugees. In ethics, it teaches standing up for others. Phrases: «flee persecution», «religious persecution», «suffer persecution», «face persecution».

Examples

• The early Christians suffered persecution in Rome. tree →
• Many refugees flee persecution in their countries. tree →
• Religious persecution is when people are hurt for their faith. tree →
• The Pilgrims left England partly to escape persecution. tree →
• Saint Paul at first led the persecution of Christians. tree →
• Bullying a group because of who they are is a kind of persecution. tree →
• It is said the quarrel grew out of the persecution the race of Geese suffered at the teeth of the Fox family. tree →

Note

Uncountable usually. Verb: persecute; person: persecutor. Trap: do not confuse with «prosecution» (taking someone to court for a crime). Pronounced per-se-KYOO-shun.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means cruel pressure on peoples by a harsh ruler, with no one to stop him.

Interpretation. Isaiah says this about the fall of the king of Babylon. The tradition sees it as a promise that God ends the rule of cruel tyrants.

Examples

• That smote the peoples in wrath with an incessant stroke, that ruled the nations in anger, with a persecution that none restrained. (Prophets ISA.14.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable usually. Verb: persecute; person: persecutor. Trap: do not confuse with «prosecution» (taking someone to court for a crime). Pronounced per-se-KYOO-shun.