Is discriminate a synonym for persecute?

Answer 1

Those two words are not synonyms although they do have similar meanings. Racial discrimination means to make choices based upon race; generally this is done to the disadvantage of some particular race (for example, you might hire only people of European ancestry). To persecute is to actively seek to harm some person or group whom you are persecuting, for example, genocide is an extreme form of persecution.

Answer 2

No, discriminate and persecute are not synonyms. Discriminate refers to recognizing a distinction between things or treating them differently, while persecute means to subject someone to hostility or ill-treatment, often because of their beliefs or identity. Discrimination can lead to persecution.