PoliticsAugust 30, 2026

persecuting

PUR-si-kyoo-ting

Definition

To treat someone in a harsh, cruel, or unfair way, typically because of their beliefs, political views, or status.

Etymology

Originating from the Latin 'persequi,' meaning 'to follow up' or 'to pursue,' the word evolved through Old French to describe the act of pursuing someone with the intent to injure or oppress them.

In the news

Rep. McIver claims the court's ruling will encourage the administration to target and mistreat vulnerable groups and their advocates. She uses the term to frame the prosecution as an act of political oppression rather than a legal proceeding.

Federal court rejects New Jersey Democrat congresswoman’s bid to drop ICE assault charges

Read the full article ↗

Just The News

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.