persecute > define

verb

• Cause to suffer.
  • usage: "Jews were persecuted in the former Soviet Union"
  • synonyms: oppress

• (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 or put to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship.
• (v.t.) To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.