Meaning
迫害 means to persecute or systematically harm someone, especially for their beliefs, ethnicity, or political views. It implies deliberate oppression or cruel treatment over time. The word combines 迫 (to force, compel) and 害 (to harm, injure), conveying the sense of forcing harm upon someone.
Usage
This is a formal, serious term commonly used in political, historical, and human rights contexts. It describes systematic mistreatment rather than isolated incidents. You'll see it in news reports about religious persecution, political oppression, or historical accounts of minority groups being targeted. Not used in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01历史上许多科学家都曾遭受过迫害。.Throughout history, many scientists have suffered persecution.
- 02这个组织致力于帮助因宗教信仰而受到迫害的人。.This organization is dedicated to helping people who are persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Characters
Common collocations
- 遭受迫害to suffer persecution
- 政治迫害political persecution
- 宗教迫害religious persecution
- 受到迫害to be persecuted
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 迫 (originally showing someone being pressed or forced, with the radical 辶 for movement) and 害 (to harm). Together they create the meaning of forcibly causing harm to someone.