seek

[ seek ]

verb (used with object)

, sought, seek·ing.

1. to go in search or quest of:

   to seek the truth.

2. to try to find or discover by searching or questioning:

   to seek the solution to a problem.

3. to try to obtain:

   to seek fame.

   Synonyms: follow, pursue

4. to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive):

   to seek to convince a person.

5. to go to:

   to seek a place to rest.

6. to ask for; request:

   to seek advice.

7. Archaic. to search or explore.

verb (used without object)

, sought, seek·ing.

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ siːk /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by for or after to try to find by searching; look for

   to seek a solution

2. also intr to try to obtain or acquire

   to seek happiness

3. to attempt (to do something); try

   I'm only seeking to help

4. also intr to enquire about or request (something)

   to seek help

5. to go or resort to

   to seek the garden for peace

6. an archaic word for explore

Derived Forms

• ˈseeker, noun

Other Words From

• outseek verb (used with object) outsought outseeking
• re·seek verb (used with object) resought reseeking
• un·seeking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English seken, Old English sēcan; cognate with German suchen, Old Norse sœkja, Gothic sōkjan; akin to Latin sāgīre “to perceive by scent” ( presage, sagacity ); beseech

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

Old English sēcan; related to Old Norse sōkja, Gothic sōkjan, Old High German suohhen, Latin sāgīre to perceive by scent; see beseech

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be sought after, to be desired or in demand:

   Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.

More idioms and phrases containing seek

see play hide and seek .

Example Sentences

While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, he seeks to unjustly profit from his killing of my daughter.

From Salon

Mysterious forces seek to quiet the talking animals of Oz, who preach freedom and unity.

From Salon

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats may seek to force a vote on Stabenow’s proposal, keeping the possibility of movement alive — if only faintly.

From Salon

It was reduced to three years from five years in 2014, but the government is seeking views on whether to raise it to five years, 10 years, or more than 10 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue