a) 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 ones race, sexual identity, adherence to a particular religious creed, or mode of worship.
"Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." -Matt. v. 44.
b) To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.
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