persecution
//ˌpɜːsɪˈkjuːʃən//
Noun
persecutionSingular
persecutionsPlural
1
Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race, political or religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Many refugees fled their country to escape religious persecution.
2
The act or practice of persistently harassing, oppressing, or tormenting someone.
The journalist faced constant persecution for reporting the truth.
3
The state of being persecuted or subjected to cruel treatment.
Many refugees fled their homeland to escape persecution.