seek

[seek]

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.

verb (used without object)

sought, seeking 

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

Old English sēcan; related to Old Norse sōkja, Gothic sōkjan, Old High German suohhen, Latin sāgīre to perceive by scent; see _beseech

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

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

see play hide and seek.

Example Sentences

The ruling could differentiate between "reciprocal" tariffs seeking to narrow trade gaps and others imposed to crack down on fentanyl entering the United States, added Majerus, a partner at law firm King & Spalding.

Read more on Barron's

Almost immediately, Arab mediators seeking a ceasefire in Gaza engaged diplomatically with the Houthis, who they feared were encouraging Hamas to avoid making concessions towards a truce.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They asked more than 800 people how they used their phones and social media to talk about violence, and what stopped them from seeking help.

Read more on BBC

Aurinia and its U.S. subsidiary brought the suit against Tidmarsh, alleging defamation and injurious falsehood, and seeking damages for its losses, plus punitive damages.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The United States on Sunday announced $3 million in aid for Cubans impacted by powerful Hurricane Melissa, seeking to bypass the island's communist government with distribution via the Catholic Church.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• explore 
• follow 
• investigate 
• pursue