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

The U.S. invaded Panama in December 1989 to seek his arrest.

From Barron's

For retirees seeking lifetime income without navigating complicated contracts, focusing on these plain-vanilla income annuities while keeping growth assets in low-cost market portfolios can strike an effective balance.

From The Wall Street Journal

More than two million tourists visited Kenya last year, many of them seeking out wildlife in the country's world-famous national parks.

From BBC

The plaintiffs allege that the production violated labor laws and provided inadequate food and drink, among other claims, and are seeking financial compensation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Moylan was proud of his arrow and flattered by the attention, but he didn’t seek it out for himself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue