persecution

nouns

the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)
persecution
is derived from
persecute
domain category
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
"he lost his faith but not his morality"
faith, religion, religious belief
is a type of (narrower)
cruel or inhumane treatment
"the child showed signs of physical abuse"
abuse, ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment