Persecution...

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

2. To annoy persistently; bother.

\Per`se*cu"tion\, n. [F. pers['e]cution, L.
persecutio.]
The act or practice of persecuting; especially, the
infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a
particular creed or mode of worship.