pursue

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English

Etymology

From Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-Norman pursure, poursuire etc., from Latin prōsequor (though influenced by persequor). Doublet of prosecute.

Pronunciation

Verb

pursue (third-person singular simple present pursues, present participle pursuing, simple past and past participle pursued)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.
    pursue one's dreams
    • 15 September 2009, Martin Chulov, “Iraqi shoe-thrower claims he suffered torture in jail”, in The Guardian:
      He now feared for his life, and believed US intelligence agents would pursue him.
  2. (transitive) To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).
    Her rival pursued a quite different course.
  3. (transitive) To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
    • 1 December 2009, Benjamin Pogrund, “Freeze won't hurt Netanyahu”, in The Guardian:
      He even stands to gain in world terms: his noisy critics strengthen his projected image of a man determined to pursue peace with Palestinians.
  4. (transitive) To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).
    • 2001, David L. Lieber, Jules Harlow, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, page 141:
      The Kedarites are depicted as herders of sheep and goats who pursued a seminomadic existence and lived scattered over a wide area of the desert region east of the land of Israel.
  5. (intransitive) To act as a legal prosecutor.
  6. (transitive, somewhat archaic) To continue; to carry on.
    • 1870, Richard Francis Burton, “Conclusion”, in Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry, London: Longmans, Green, and Co, page 307:
      'Allow me, great king,' pursued the Demon, in a dry tone of voice, 'to wish you joy […]

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