Persecute /ˈpɜː. sɪ. kjuːt/ /ˈpɝː-/ verb [ t ] to treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time because of their race, religion

wit /wɪt/ noun HUMOUR
1. [ S or U ] the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way
a woman of great intelligence and wit
Her conversation sparkled with her own subtle blend of wit and charm.
He was known for his dry / ready / sharp wit.
See also wits ; witticism
2. [ C ] a person who is skilled at using words in a clever and humorous way
Sydney Smith, a notable wit, once remarked that he never read a book before he reviewed it because it might prejudice his opinion of it.
wit /wɪt/ noun INTELLIGENCE
3. wits
4. intelligence and the ability to think quickly
She learned to survive on her wits.
frighten/scare sb out of their wits ( also frighten/scare the wits out of sb )
to make someone very frightened
Don't shout like that! You scared me out of my wits.
gather your wits literary
to make an effort to become calm and think more clearly
I spent the five-minute break between games gathering my wits and rethinking my strategy for the second half of the match.
winkle /ˈwɪŋ.kl ̩/ noun [ C ] ( US usually periwinkle )
a small sea snail that can be eaten
winkle /ˈwɪŋ.kl ̩/ verb
winkle sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ] mainly UK
to get or find something or someone with difficulty
I managed to winkle the truth out of him eventually.
hollow /ˈhɒl.əʊ/ /ˈhɑː.loʊ/ adjective EMPTY
1. having a hole or empty space inside
a hollow tube
Hollow blocks are used because they are lighter.
a hollow log
2. hollow cheeks/eyes
If someone has hollow cheeks or eyes, their cheeks curve in or their eyes look deep in their head because they are old, tired, or ill.