pursuit

[per-soot]

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

pursuit

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

C14: from Old French poursieute, from poursivre to prosecute, _pursue

Example Sentences

“Defendants know children and adolescents are in a developmental stage that leaves them particularly vulnerable to the addictive effects of these features. Defendants target them anyway, in pursuit of additional profit.”

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Now that there’s nothing stopping a younger, more talented player from leaving for another school in pursuit of more playing time, keeping hold of a veteran often means bidding farewell to more promising backups.

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The monologue mocks man’s attempts to attach meaning to existence, but this novel approach underscores that while men may never be able to find meaning in life, trying is a necessary, even noble pursuit.

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One was an interest in an eclectic pursuit of knowledge that still gives these institutions a distinctive American energy.

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Kausas compared his pursuit to a board game—one he wants to win.

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Related Words

• accomplishment 
• activity 
• career 
• occupation 
• undertaking