Persecution
Pronunciation : Per`se*cu"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. pers?cution, L. persecutio.]
Definition : 1. The act or practice of persecuting; especially, the infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed or mode of worship. Persecution produces no sincere conviction. Paley.
2. The state or condition of being persecuted. Locke.
3. A carrying on; prosecution. [Obs.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913