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

A man was fatally shot by Anaheim police Wednesday night following a dramatic, high-speed pursuit that ended when he crashed his truck on a bridge over the Santa Ana River, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

The van, which had been involved in a police pursuit, hit her at Aston Wood Golf Club, in Little Aston, on Friday morning.

From BBC

That way, we get to miss each other and feel fulfilled in our individual pursuits as well.

From Los Angeles Times

The book topped bestseller lists and the Anonymous pursuit stayed in the headlines for months.

From Los Angeles Times

The police had said that it deployed security forces in pursuit of the kidnappers.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment
• activity
• career
• occupation
• undertaking