pursue

verb

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pur·sue | \ pər-ˈsü

, -ˈsyü \

pursued; pursuing

Definition of pursue

transitive verb

1 : to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, or defeat

2 : to find or employ measures to obtain or accomplish : seek pursue a goal

3 : to proceed along pursues a northern course

4a : to engage in pursue a hobby

b : to follow up or proceed with pursue an argument

5 : to continue to afflict : haunt was pursued by horrible memories

6 : chase entry 2 sense 1c pursued by dozens of fans

intransitive verb

: to go in pursuit

Other Words from pursue Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About pursue

Choose the Right Synonym for pursue

chase, pursue, follow, trail mean to go after or on the track of something or someone. chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running. a dog chasing a cat pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. pursued the criminal through narrow streets follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. friends followed me home in their car trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. trail deer trailed a suspect across the country

Examples of pursue in a Sentence

It is this peace among the Great Powers—at least for the near term—that makes it truly possible both to pursue my vision of the post-Cold War world and, at the same time, to hedge against failure by maintaining the capacity to protect ourselves and our interests … — Robert S. McNamara, In Retrospect, 1995 The monster truck pursued him at insane speeds, through phone booths and gas pumps and even over cliffs, but he never knew why. — Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 14-28 July 1994 In a world of nation-states the assumption that governments will pursue their own interests gives order and predictability to international affairs. — Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., American Heritage, 3 May/June 1994 Hounds pursued the fox for miles. The criminal is being pursued by police. He chose to pursue a college degree. She wants to pursue a legal career. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The company has confirmed that the deal gives her the opportunity to pursue a variety of TV, film and podcast projects while reducing her time at MSNBC. — Stephen Battagliostaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2022 Leaders are expected to announce an agreement to pursue a price cap on Russian oil, raise tariffs on Russian goods, and impose new sanctions on hundreds of Russian officials. — Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 June 2022 Biden has also faced mounting pressure to pursue mass student debt cancellation. — Collin Binkley, Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2022 So much for the quest to pursue absolute originality. — Amanda Arnold, Bon Appétit, 23 June 2022 The decision to pursue a policy to lower nicotine levels marks the first step in a lengthy process, and success is not assured. — Laurie Mcginley, BostonGlobe.com, 21 June 2022 Last week, a federal judge approved the FBI’s request to pursue the seizure of two jets belonging to Russian billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovich. — Derek Saul, Forbes, 16 June 2022 The couple has broken up after five years because of Lawrence’s refusal to seriously pursue a new job. — Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 16 June 2022 In the one-hour-long Festa video, the members reflect on their successful journey together before going on to discuss their plans to pursue solo work. — Thania Garcia, Variety, 14 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pursue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.