persecute

To oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

To annoy persistently; bother.

1. To pursue; follow close after.

To pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment; harass or afflict with repeated acts of cruelty or annoyance; injure or afflict persistently; specifically, to afflict, harass, or punish on account of opinions, as for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship.

In a weakened sense, to harass or pursue with persistent attentions, solicitations, or other importunities; vex or annoy.