Meaning

• 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 one's race, sexual identity, adherence to a particular religious creed, or mode of worship.

  "He who persecutes one will persecute all."

• To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.