rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: sequi
Latin

sequi

follow

Forms

  • sequ-
  • secut- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘having followed.’

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *sekw-, ‘follow.’

Note

Its Latin grammar looked passive even when the meaning was actively following.

13 / 22
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

Related word entries