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

As his cousins get swept up in the cartel business, Sujo escapes to Mexico City, where he hopes to pursue his dreams of academic study.

From Los Angeles Times

The masses are eager to see their favorite starlet shine bright again, and it’s time to pursue a project that isn’t tailor-made for Jimmy Fallon’s lowball questions and dated references.

From Salon

In animal tests, the researchers found that the mechanical-arm device could effectively expand to fill the stomach, but they ended up deciding to pursue the balloon option instead.

From Science Daily

Ohtani agreed to defer all but $2 million annually of his $700-million contract if it would help the Dodgers pursue championship players.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Giffard, the Welsh Conservative's education spokesperson said the hike "does little to encourage students to pursue higher education" amid a drop in enrolments.

From BBC

Related Words

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