persecutory

IPA/pˈɜːsɪkjˌuːtəɹi/
IPA/pˈɜːsɪkjuːtˌɔːɹi/

persecutory — adjective

  • persecutorypositive
  • more persecutorycomparative
  • most persecutorysuperlative

1. describing actions, laws, or treatment that cause a person or group to suffer, e

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing actions, laws, or treatment that cause a person or group to suffer, especially because of their race, religion, political beliefs, or other identity.

例句

After the new government took power, the country passed many persecutory laws against ethnic minorities.

collocation: persecutory laws

Severe mental illness can cause persecutory delusions where people believe others want to harm them.

collocation: persecutory delusions (psychiatry term)

同義詞
  • oppressive

    broader — describes any harsh, unfair control that creates a feeling of being weighed down, not necessarily identity-based

  • discriminatory

    narrower — focuses on treating someone unfavorably because of a specific characteristic, though not always with cruelty

  • tyrannical

    focuses on the cruel and unfair use of absolute power by a ruler or authority

反義詞
  • protective

    keeps people safe instead of harming them

  • supportive

    helps people instead of causing them suffering

文法句型

persecutory + noun (laws, behavior, delusions)

用法筆記

Often found in legal, political, and medical contexts. The phrase 'persecutory delusions' is a standard psychiatric term for a fixed false belief that one is being attacked or conspired against.

常見錯誤

❌The manager persecutoried the staff.
✅The manager's behavior toward the staff was persecutory.
💡'Persecutory' is an adjective; use 'persecute' as the verb.
❌I felt persecutory by my classmates.
✅I felt persecuted by my classmates.
💡After feeling verbs, use the past participle 'persecuted' (from the verb), not the adjective.

2. involving repeated and unwanted behavior such as constant demands, phone calls,

2.形容詞C1
釋義

involving repeated and unwanted behavior such as constant demands, phone calls, or questions that make someone feel attacked or harassed.

例句

Kian described the late-night phone calls from debt collectors as persecutory and deeply stressful.

collocation: persecutory phone calls

Sirin filed a complaint about the persecutory attention from photographers who followed her every day.

同義詞
  • harassing

    more common and slightly broader — can cover any unwanted repeated attention

  • pestering

    less formal and less severe — suggests annoyance rather than fear

  • relentless

    emphasizes the continuous, non-stop nature of the behavior

反義詞
  • respectful

    shows proper consideration for another person's peace and privacy

  • considerate

    thoughtful of others' feelings and needs

文法句型

persecutory + noun (calls, attention, demands)

用法筆記

Less common than sense 1. Typically describes repeated actions (calls, visits, demands) that, over time, make someone feel under personal attack.

常見錯誤

❌My little brother is being persecutory.
✅My little brother is being annoying / pestering me.
💡'Persecutory' is too strong for everyday mild annoyance; use it only for serious or sustained harassment.