persecute vs torment

persecute is not a noun while torment is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
persecute	No	No	Yes	No
torment	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, torment is a hypernym of persecute; that is, torment is a word with a broader meaning than persecute:

Other hypernyms of persecute include bedevil, crucify, dun, frustrate, rag.

persecute (noun)	torment (noun)
	the act of harassing someone
	a severe affliction
	intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
	extreme mental distress
	a feeling of intense annoyance caused by being tormented
	unbearable physical pain

persecute (verb)	torment (verb)
cause to suffer	subject to torture
	torment emotionally or mentally
	treat cruelly