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

Coltart then instructed another law firm to pursue a legal case against Smyth who was eventually charged with culpable homicide over Guide’s death, as well as charges relating to the beatings.

From BBC

We can all imagine a leader who appeals to identity issues like religion and immigration while pursuing a program of genuine economic reform.

From Salon

In a statement, Mr McGreanery’s nephew Billy, who was 13 when his uncle was killed, said the family would continue to pursue justice.

From BBC

In addition to pressuring the agency to pursue certain investigations and not others, and ridiculing his Justice Department leaders and Mueller, Trump fired FBI Director James Comey amid the Russia investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Macron has been described as pursuing a zigzag in his approach to the Middle East, as in many other domains, flipflopping inconsistently between outspoken statements of support for Israel and then its Arab neighbours.

From BBC

Related Words

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