manhunt

[man-huhnt]

noun

1. an intensive search for a criminal, suspect, escaped convict, etc., as by law enforcement agencies.

2. an intensive search for any person.

manhunt

/ ˈmænˌhʌnt /

noun

1. an organized search, usually by police, for a wanted man or fugitive

Other Word Forms

• man hunter noun
• manhunter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of manhunt¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; man + hunt

Example Sentences

The 19-year-old's disappearance sparked a massive manhunt and a host of conspiracy theories about his death after he attempted a 14-hour walk home the morning after a night out on the island.

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He also hit the headlines when he was mistakenly released from prison the same day, only to eventually hand himself back in after a short manhunt.

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Both men are now back in custody after police manhunts.

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Despite those efforts, and years of manhunts, he remains a fugitive - and the US and Ugandan armies officially ended their operations to track him down in 2017.

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A migrant who was mistakenly released from prison has been arrested in north London following a manhunt, the Metropolitan Police has said.

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