Pursue
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /pəˈsjuË/
- US IPA: /pəɹˈs(j)u/
Origin
From Anglo-Norman pursuer, poursuire et al., Old French porsuir, from Latin prÅsequÄ« (though influenced by persequÄ«).
Full definition of pursue
Verb
- (obsolete, transitive) To follow with harmful intent; to try to harm, to persecute, torment. from 14th c.
- (transitive) To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase. from 14th c.
- Wyclif Bible, John xv. 20The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have pursued me, they shall pursue you also.
- 2009, Martin Chulov, ‘Iraqi shoe-thrower claims he suffered torture in jail’, The Guardian, 15 Sep 09:He now feared for his life, and believed US intelligence agents would pursue him.
- (transitive) To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.). from late 14th c.Her rival pursued a quite different course.
- (transitive) To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.). from late 14th c.
- 2009, Benjamin Pogrund, ‘Freeze won't hurt Netanyahu’, The Guardian, 1 Dec 09:He even stands to gain in world terms: his noisy critics strengthen his projected image of a man determined to pursue peace with Palestinians.
- (transitive) To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession). from 15th c.