Persecute

·vt To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to Annoy.

II. Persecute ·vt 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.