rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: per-
Latin

per-

through

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A cruel harasser corners an older man on a bench, grips his shoulder, and deliberately pours a drink into his open lunch container while he recoils and tries to shield it.
noun

persecutor

PER-si-kyoo-ter/ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːtər/

Someone who harasses, oppresses, or punishes others unfairly.

Etymology
perLatinthrough
+secutLatinfollow
+orLatina person or thing that acts

“Through” and “follow” combine in a verb meaning to pursue or hunt down. A persecutor is a pursuer in the hostile sense: someone who subjects others to cruel harassment or oppression.

Full entry

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