The correct answer is (B) To harass (persistently), to oppress because of religious or political beliefs, etc.; to pursue with enmity; to oppress with injury or punishment, to worry; to importune; to cause to suffer; to vex; to trouble; to annoy.

Persecute comes from French persécuter, Latin persequi (to pursue).

Examples of use:

• Throughout history, many peoples have been persecuted.
• She felt that she was unfairly persecuted for her stand on gay Iraq.