You can disagree as a personal perspective if you want but not on the basis of "The very definition" of the word. It is an umbrella term as is "picked on." There are more precise words or qualifiers for particular types of persecution but you don't get to pick one and exclude the others until you write your own dictionary.
Bing Dictionary
1. the persecuting of somebody: the subjecting of a race or group of people to cruel or unfair treatment, e.g. because of their ethnic origin or religious beliefs
2. suffering of persecuted people: the suffering felt by persecuted people
Thesaurus
NOUN
Synonyms: harassment, oppression, maltreatment, pursuit, torture, discrimination, torment, tyranny, intimidation, subjection
Synonyms: suffering, torment, hassle, annoyance, irritation, harassment, vexation
Myriam Webster Dictionary
Definition of PERSECUTION
1: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
2: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed |
