In medieval Europe, some rulers would persecute scholars who challenged the accepted astronomical models of the time.
在中世纪的欧洲，一些统治者会迫害那些挑战当时公认天文学模型的学者。
Which choice best defines “persecute”?
C — Treat badly, oppress. “persecute” means treat badly, oppress.
Which word means “treat badly, oppress”?
B — persecute. “persecute” means treat badly, oppress.
persecute — treat badly, oppress. In Chinese: 迫害，虐待.
persecute is pronounced /ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/.
In medieval Europe, some rulers would persecute scholars who challenged the accepted astronomical models of the time. (在中世纪的欧洲，一些统治者会迫害那些挑战当时公认天文学模型的学者。)
oppress, harass, torment — all close in meaning to persecute (treat badly, oppress).
protect, support — each the opposite of persecute (treat badly, oppress).
Yes. persecute is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.
per(completely)+secute(follow)