Persecute (verb)

1. To subject someone to harassment, abuse, or punishment in order to harm or punish them.
2. To harass or discriminate against someone for their beliefs, actions, or characteristics.

Origin:

The word persecute comes from the latin word "persequi" which means "to pursue" or "to follow closely". it was first used in english in the 14th century to describe the act of subjecting someone to harassment, abuse, or punishment in order to harm or punish them.

Examples:

1. The government persecuted minority groups by imprisoning them in concentration camps.
2. The dictator persecuted political opponents by ordering their execution.
3. The company persecuted employees who spoke out against their unethical practices.
4. During the medieval period, people were persecuted for being witches.
5. The bullies persecuted their classmates because of their race and religion.