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

They and the physician plaintiffs seek to establish that Idaho’s law allows an abortion whenever a patient has a physical medical condition or complication that makes it unsafe to continue a pregnancy, has a condition exacerbated by pregnancy that can’t otherwise be easily treated, or is told about a fetal condition that is likely to be fatal after birth.

From Slate

Adkins builds on a line of cases involving women like Kate Cox, a Texas woman who traveled out of state to seek an abortion after receiving a diagnosis of trisomy 18, a fetal condition that is usually fatal; and Amanda Zurawski, also from Texas, who suffered the preterm rupture of membranes, a condition that led to a severe infection that almost killed her.

From Slate

Churches don’t have to disclose their donors to the IRS, so donors could seek to influence elections while remaining anonymous — and get a tax deduction for their contributions.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire Police advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

From BBC

The bill, which was published this week, would allow terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek help to end their life.

From BBC

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue