pursue

[per-soo]

verb (used with object)

pursued, pursuing 

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)

pursued, pursuing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• pursuer noun
• pursuable adjective
• outpursue verb (used with object)
• repursue verb (used with object)
• unpursuable 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

There was an overpowering quest for spiritual betterment, along with a demand for permission to pursue your passion and an insistence on unfettered expression.

From Los Angeles Times

But whether there will be more strikes will now depend on how hard the RMT wants to pursue the issue of a 32-hour week and if its members want more strikes.

From BBC

There is no cure for male pattern baldness, but some choose to pursue treatment.

From BBC

The man reported the email contact to South Yorkshire Police, with Thompson, 29, subsequently recording the suspect did not want to pursue a complaint.

From BBC

“Patton is diligently pursuing every avenue possible to find a solution, but still needs more time,” the company wrote in its application.

From Salon

Related Words

• conduct 
• continue 
• engage in www.thesaurus.com
• maintain 
• practice 
• proceed 
• prosecute 
• tackle