pursuit

[ per-soot ]

noun

1. the act of pursuing:

   in pursuit of the fox.

   Synonyms: hunt, chase

2. an effort to secure or attain; quest:

   the pursuit of happiness.

   Synonyms: search

3. any occupation, pastime, or the like, in which a person is engaged regularly or customarily:

   literary pursuits.

   Synonyms: inclination, preoccupation, activity

pursuit

/ pəˈsjuːt /

noun

1. 1. the act of pursuing, chasing, or striving after
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pursuit plane

2. an occupation, hobby, or pastime
3. (in cycling) a race in which the riders set off at intervals along the track and attempt to overtake each other

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French purseute, from Vulgar Latin prōsequita (unrecorded), from Latin prōsecūta, feminine of prōsecūtus “followed,” past participle of prōsequī “to follow, continue”; pursue

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

C14: from Old French poursieute, from poursivre to prosecute, pursue

Example Sentences

And she has continued to leverage her “Real Housewife” visibility to help advance her scripted pursuits, which this season’s premiere episode captures.

From Los Angeles Times

The pursuit today is quite different to how it played out in the past.

From BBC

Despite the disappointment, Boulter said she was "proud" after giving everything in pursuit of a place in the final against Italy.

From BBC

George Gascón has faced in his aggressive pursuit of police in excessive force cases.

From Los Angeles Times

A high-speed police pursuit led to a violent crash Saturday night as a car carrying four people plowed into the side of a Culver City home, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment
• activity
• career
• occupation
• undertaking