<p><strong>Verb (used with object):</strong></p><ul><li>persecuted, persecuting</li><li>to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms:</strong></p><ul><li><p>torment</p></li><li><p>torture</p></li><li><p>afflict</p></li><li><p>to annoy or trouble persistently</p></li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms:</strong></p><ul><li>pester</li><li>bother</li><li>vex</li><li>badger</li><li>worry</li></ul>