How to Pronounce Persecute

To pronounce "persecute", say PERS-ec-ut-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

persecute

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Accent

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “persecute”

"persecute" has 4 syllables: pers-ec-ut-e. It rhymes with astute and dispute, if that helps it stick.

What does persecute mean?

verb

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.

Synonyms

annoy distress harass oppress worry

Words that rhyme with persecute

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

astute dispute acute destitute refute constitute brute moot bruit pursuit attribute substitute

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "persecute"?▾

"Persecute" has 4 syllables: pers · ec · ut · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "persecute"?▾

The IPA transcription of "persecute" is /ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/.

What does "persecute" mean?▾

Persecute: 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.

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