seek

American  

[seek] / sik /

verb (used with object)

sought, seeking

1. to go in search or quest of.

   to seek the truth.

2. to try to find or discover by searching or questioning.

   to seek the solution to a problem.

3. to try to obtain.

   to seek fame.

   Synonyms:

   follow, pursue

4. to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive).

   to seek to convince a person.

5. to go to.

   to seek a place to rest.

6. to ask for; request.

   to seek advice.

7. Archaic. to search or explore.

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verb (used without object)

sought, seeking

1. to make inquiry.

idioms

1. be sought after, to be desired or in demand.

   Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.

seek British  

/ siːk /

verb

1. to try to find by searching; look for

   to seek a solution

2. (also intr) to try to obtain or acquire

   to seek happiness

3. to attempt (to do something); try

   I'm only seeking to help

4. (also intr) to enquire about or request (something)

   to seek help

5. to go or resort to

   to seek the garden for peace

6. an archaic word for explore

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seek More Idioms  

1. see play hide and seek.

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Other Word Forms

• outseek verb (used with object)
• reseek verb (used with object)
• seeker noun
• unseeking adjective

Etymology

Origin of seek

First recorded before 900; Middle English seken, Old English sēcan; cognate with German suchen, Old Norse sœkja, Gothic sōkjan; akin to Latin sāgīre “to perceive by scent” ( presage, sagacity ); beseech

Example Sentences

By the time patients seek therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, many have spent years suppressing their worst memories and avoiding the places and situations they associate with the most difficult moments of their lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The effort failed - the war lasted another eight years, and its unpopularity at home helped drive Johnson's decision not to seek a second term in office.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Apart from bottled water and beverages, PET packaging is also used extensively in industries like beauty, pharmaceuticals and even in restaurants and food delivery as customers seek out convenience and affordability.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX will likely seek to acquire more spectrum to add capacity to their networks.”

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There the guests were divided into teams, then given cipher messages that told them where to seek out the next course.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue