seek

[seek]

verb (used with object)

sought, seeking 

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, seeking 

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ siːk /

verb

1. 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

Other Word Forms

• seeker noun
• outseek verb (used with object)
• reseek verb (used with object)
• unseeking 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.

see play hide and seek.

Example Sentences

She called a taxi to take her to hospital, but Ms Goldie prevented her from getting in the taxi and told a friend her daughter was "attention seeking."

From BBC

Critics accused the government of seeking to stifle an anti-corruption campaign with the ban, which was repealed on Monday night.

From BBC

Medication abortion was difficult for college students, partly because patients from other Midwestern states were seeking care in Illinois facilities.

From Salon

The potential for wedging strategies between Russia and China remains viable due to underlying structural tensions and competing interests, particularly in Central Asia where both powers seek influence.

From Los Angeles Times

Other schemes, meanwhile, may seek to address the main source of pollution in the lough - from agricultural sources.

From BBC

Related Words

• explore 
• follow 
• investigate 
• pursue