释义 |
per·se·cute \ˈpərsə̇ˌkyüt, ˈpə̄s-, ˈpəis-, -sēˌk-, usu -üd.+V\ transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Middle French persecuter, back-formation from persecuteur persecutor — more at persecutor 1. obsolete a. : to follow with the intent of killing, capturing, or harming : hunt down : pursue b. : to follow up with vigor or to the end 2. : to harass in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict usually because of some difference of outlook or opinion : set upon with cruelty or malignity : oppress; specifically : to cause to suffer or put to death because of belief (as in a religion) 3. chiefly dialect : to prosecute at law 4. : to afflict, harass, or annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, importunities) : pester, vex Synonyms: see wrong |