This is the 15536th most frequent Russian word.
преследуют
"Преследуют" means "pursue" or "persecute."
In this sentence, 'преследуют' (preslyeduyut) is used in an official sense, to describe law enforcement chasing a lawbreaker.
Полиция преследует нарушителя.
The police are pursuing the violator.
Here, 'преследуют' implies being mentally or emotionally pursued, showing its abstract use.
Меня преследуют мысли о прошлом.
Thoughts about the past are haunting me.
In this example, 'преследуют' reflects determination, signifying someone striving toward an objective.