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

Not the fact that his presidency is built on his craven desire for personal retribution instead of pursuing what’s best for the American people.

From Salon

She credits conversations around the breakfast table with her husband and father-in-law, both prominent civil rights lawyers, with inspiring her to pursue a law career.

From Los Angeles Times

A trilogy bout had been mandated, but Taylor chose not to pursue it as she focuses on a break from boxing.

From BBC

“Unhappy with the pace of the project, he chose to pursue private arbitration to assert his discontent,” Frid said.

From Los Angeles Times

Several other unmarked SUVs with officers wearing tactical vests were also chasing the SUV, which was reportedly being pursued because its license plate did not match the vehicle, Reed said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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