pursuit

American  

[per-soot] / pərˈsut /

noun

1. the act of pursuing.

   in pursuit of the fox.

   Synonyms:

   hunt, chase

2. an effort to secure or attain; quest.

   the pursuit of happiness.

   Synonyms:

   search

3. any occupation, pastime, or the like, in which a person is engaged regularly or customarily.

   literary pursuits.

   Synonyms:

   inclination, preoccupation, activity

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pursuit British  

/ pəˈsjuːt /

noun

1. 1. the act of pursuing, chasing, or striving after

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pursuit plane

2. an occupation, hobby, or pastime

3. (in cycling) a race in which the riders set off at intervals along the track and attempt to overtake each other

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Etymology

Origin of pursuit

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French purseute, from Vulgar Latin prōsequita (unrecorded), from Latin prōsecūta, feminine of prōsecūtus “followed,” past participle of prōsequī “to follow, continue”; pursue

Explanation

A pursuit is a chase or a quest for something. When a guard runs after an escaping jewel thief, she's in pursuit — while the thief may have stolen the jewels because he was in pursuit of wealth. Whether it's a police officer in a car chase or a student working towards a college degree at a university in the tropics, both can be considered in “hot pursuit.”  Derived from the Anglo-French purseute, pursuit means the act of pursuing or striving towards goals. In the late 14th century it implied persecution, but things have changed since then.

Example Sentences

In a hyper-modern environment like the internet, so eager to eat itself alive in the pursuit of newness, “The End of Oak Street” fandom is delightfully prehistoric.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

So far, with McIlroy holding a commanding advantage in his pursuit of a rare back-to-back Masters win, there haven't been any.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Another Hanoi-based analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, likened the government's pursuit of pricey projects to "a poor household trying to buy a luxurious Ferrari at all cost".

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The layoffs are the latest blow to the film industry, as productions continue to seek a home overseas in pursuit of tax credits, and as fewer projects are being greenlit by major studios.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

They heard men’s shouts behind them, but there were no sounds of pursuit.

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty

Related Words

• accomplishment
• activity
• career
• occupation
• undertaking