persecute
Cross references: 1. wrong per.se.cute \'p*r-s*-.kyu:t\ \-.kyu:t-iv\ \-kyu:t-*r\ \-kyu.-.to-r-e-, -.to.r-; -.kyu:t-*-re-\ vt [MF persecuter, back-formation fr. persecuteur persecutor, fr. LL (Xpersecutor, fr. persecutus, pp. of persequi to persecute, fr. L, to pursue, fr. per- through + sequi to follow - more at SUE 1: to harass in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; specif : t o cause to suffer because of belief 2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches : PESTER - per.se.cu.tive aj
Webster's English Dictionary