D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Persecute

/pẽrs'-ək-yo͞otˌ/ · Per·se·cute · IPA /ˈpɝsəkjut/
01 v. t. To pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish,…
imp. & p. p. Persecuted; p. pr. & vb. n. Persecuting
  1. 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. 2.
    To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.