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

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

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

Kelly Sharkey, a North Charleston mother of two, was exasperated, questioning what lawmakers’ endgame is in pursuing SB 323 and whose lives they really wish to protect.

From Salon

Human rights groups believe there is an unwritten agreement among the four neighbouring countries to allow each other's security forces to pursue dissidents over the border.

From BBC

Schools that sign on would have to cap tuition for U.S. students for five years and the wealthiest campuses would not charge tuition at all for students pursuing “hard science programs.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said Skat had "failed to established any of the claims pursued at trial where liability was disputed".

From BBC

These charges were not pursued and were ordered to lie on file.

From BBC

Related Words

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