forfulgt

Forfulgt is a Danish and Norwegian adjective formed as the past participle of the verb forfølge, meaning to pursue. In modern usage, forfulgt describes someone who is being or has been subjected to persistent pursuit, harassment, or persecution, whether by individuals, groups, or authorities. The term can refer to persecution for reasons such as religion, politics, ethnicity, or opinions, and is commonly found in historical, legal, and human-rights contexts.

Etymology and cognates: The word combines the prefix for- with følge (“to follow”). From this together with the sense of following, the meaning broadened over time from physical pursuit to systematic mistreatment or oppression. In other Scandinavian languages, related forms exist, such as Swedish förföljd and Norwegian forfulgt, with Danish being forfulgt.

Usage and nuance: Forfulgt is used as an adjective or predicate adjective. Examples include descriptions of individuals or groups that are seen as persecuted, as well as in phrases such as “forfulgt af myndighederne” (persecuted by the authorities). The term frequently appears in discussions of asylum, refugee status, and protection under human-rights norms, where a person’s claim may hinge on whether they are forfulgt for a protected characteristic or belief.

See also: persecution, asylum, refugees, human rights, forfølgelse (persecution), forfølger (the pursuer), förföljd (Swedish cognate).

Notes: The form agrees with the gender and number of the noun it describes (e.g., en person som er forfulgt). The article maintains a neutral, encyclopedic tone suitable for a general reference.