Synonym: antagonize, badger, harass, harm, molest, oppress, torment, torture. Similar words: execute, prosecutor, prosecution, consecutive, secular, cute, security, execution. Meaning: ['pɜrsɪkjuːt /'pɜː-] 
v. cause to suffer.
v. cause to suffer. 31. NIV For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
32. Jehovah's Witnesses do feel that we're trying to follow the Scriptures, and Jesus said, They persecuted me, and they will persecute you also. . . .