Persequi

Persequi is a Latin deponent verb meaning to pursue, to follow after, to chase, and by extension to prosecute or persecute. In English, its noun form yields persecution, and the verb gives rise to verbs such as persecute or pursuit in related senses.

In grammar, persequi is a deponent of the third conjugation, so its forms are passive in form but active in meaning. Principal parts are persequor, persequi, persecutus sum. The tense system uses passive morphology with active sense: present persequor, persequeris, persecutus sum; imperfect persequebar; future persequar; perfect/perfect passive form persecutus sum (e.g., “I have pursued”).

Usage-wise, persequi covers both literal pursuit and figurative following. It governs direct objects in the accusative (to pursue someone or something) and can occur with opponents, dangers, or tasks (e.g., pursuing an enemy or pursuing a goal). In legal or rhetorical contexts, it can convey prosecuting or pursuing a cause or charge, not merely physically following.

Derivative terms include Latin persecutio (persecution) and persecutor (one who pursues or persecutes). The English descendants—persecute, persecution, and related forms—trace back to this verb, reflecting the idea of following someone to exert pressure or pressure through pursuit.

See also: sequor, secundus; the family of verbs built on the root sequ- meaning to follow. Persequi contrasts with active “to flee” verbs and with non-deponent equivalents, highlighting its nuanced use in classical and post-classical Latin.