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

The combined company has been led by Cedar Fair’s executives, who pursued a strategy of trying to control the mountain of debt, selling off under-performing parks and trying to boost visitors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Democrats, meanwhile, are pursuing efforts in states like California and Maryland to counter Republican gains.

Read more on Salon

According to the WSJ, the company has spent nearly a year pursuing a pardon for its former boss, who completed his four month prison sentence in September 2024.

Read more on BBC

Sure enough, the new coaching staff at Arizona, which had pursued Anthony when it was at San José State, offered a spot as a preferred walk-on.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But that has just given him time to pursue his own special interests.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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