pursue

[ per-soo ]

verb (used with object)

, pur·sued, pur·su·ing.

1. to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, etc.; chase.

   Synonyms: trail, track, hunt

2. to follow close upon; go with; attend:

   Bad luck pursued him.

   Synonyms: dog

3. to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish (an end, object, purpose, etc.).
4. to proceed in accordance with (a method, plan, etc.).
5. to carry on or continue (a course of action, a train of thought, an inquiry, studies, etc.).
6. to continue to annoy, afflict, or trouble.
7. to practice (an occupation, pastime, etc.).
8. to continue to discuss (a subject, topic, etc.).
9. to follow:

   They pursued the river to its source. I felt their eyes pursuing me.

10. to continue; go on with (one's course, a journey, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pur·sued, pur·su·ing.

1. to chase after someone or something; to follow in pursuit:

   They spotted the suspect but decided not to pursue.

2. to continue.

pursue

/ pəˈsjuː /

verb

1. also intr to follow (a fugitive, etc) in order to capture or overtake
2. (esp of something bad or unlucky) to follow closely or accompany

   ill health pursued her

3. to seek or strive to attain (some object, desire, etc)
4. to follow the precepts of (a plan, policy, etc)
5. to apply oneself to (one's studies, hobbies, etc)
6. to follow persistently or seek to become acquainted with
7. to continue to discuss or argue (a point, subject, etc)

Derived Forms

• purˈsuer, noun

Other Words From

• pur·su·a·ble adjective
• out·pur·sue verb (used with object) outpursued outpursuing
• re·pur·sue verb (used with object) repursued repursuing
• un·pur·su·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursue¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-French pursuer, ultimately from Latin prōsequī “to pursue, follow, continue”; pro- ¹, sue, prosecute

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursue¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman pursiwer, from Old French poursivre, from Latin prōsequī to follow after

Example Sentences

He has spent the past 14 years pursuing hunts across the countryside of north Wales.

From BBC

Gaetz was also investigated for sex trafficking by the Department of Justice, which declined to pursue charges.

From Salon

He is forced to pursue a mysterious villain after being blackmailed into allowing a potentially dangerous package on board a Christmas Eve flight.

From BBC

Why did the mostly abstemious Cher pursue a relationship with a known junkie?

From Los Angeles Times

The authorities have been pursuing the building's owner for information about the incident.

From BBC

Related Words

• conduct
• continue
• engage in
• maintain
• practice
• proceed
• prosecute
• tackle