Definition of persecution

The word "persecution" has its roots in Latin. The Latin term "persecutio" is a noun formed from the verb "persecutus," which means "to pursue" or "to follow." In the context of religious or political disagreements, "persecutio" referred to the act of pursuing or following someone with the intention of harming or oppressing them. The Latin word "persecutio" was first used in the 5th century CE by Christian authors to describe the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. The term gained popularity throughout the Middle Ages and eventually entered Middle English as "persecucion" in the 13th century. Over time, the meaning of "persecution" expanded to include not only religious persecution, but also political, racial, and social persecution. Today, the word refers to the act of systematically driving or harassing someone or a group of people because of their beliefs, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.