Definition of persecute:
(v) :
to pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put to death for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship; to harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy
"Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." -Matt. v. 44.