noun

persecutor

PER-si-kyoo-ter/ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːtər/

Someone who harasses, oppresses, or punishes others unfairly.

The persecutor pours a drink into the older man's lunch while gripping his shoulder.

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.

Etymology

perLatinthrough

+secutLatinto follow

+orLatinone who 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.

In context

Storytime Haven309:22

Now I want that signet ring upon your finger, if you please. " The old gentleman handed it over to his persecutor with a heavy sigh. He had realized that it was useless to refuse.

A Prince of Swindlers 👑💰 | A Tale of Deceit and Adventure by Guy Boothby

More examples

She refuses to let her persecutors silence her.
The refugees seek safety far from their persecutors.
He confronts his former persecutor in court.

Forms

persecutor · persecutors

persecute verb — To repeatedly harass or punish someone unfairly.

persecution noun — Repeated harassment, oppression, or unfair punishment.

Similar words

oppressor: Emphasizes using power to restrict others’ freedom and rights.
bully: Emphasizes intimidating or mistreating someone perceived as weaker.
tormentor: Emphasizes causing repeated physical pain or emotional distress.