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

To Ahmed, who is pursuing his studies in flood evacuation preparedness, this model is only one tool he hopes authorities can use ahead of disastrous flooding.

From Science Daily

“The company will have significant cash flow, a strong balance sheet, and the financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities, both organically and potentially through acquisitions,” Comcast President Mike Cavanagh said in a note to employees.

From Los Angeles Times

The answer being pursued by many governments is geological disposal - burying the waste in sealed tunnels deep underground.

From BBC

Ms. Hayden, 70, said on her Facebook page that after 35 years she would stop performing on “The Simpsons” and would “pursue other creative outlets.”

From New York Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

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