Pursuit

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pəˈsjuːt/, IPA: /pɜːˈsju:t/
• US IPA: /pɝˈsuːt/

Alternative forms

• pursuite obsolete

Origin

Old French poursuite, from the verb porsuir ("to pursue").

Full definition of pursuit

Noun

1. The act of pursuing.
   Unremitting pursuit of wealth doesn't bring happiness, particularly if successful.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 2, Mother...considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
• 2011, September 27, Alistair Magowan, Bayern Munich 2-0 Man City, Not only were Jupp Heynckes' team pacey in attack but they were relentless in their pursuit of the ball once they had lost it, and as the game wore on they merely increased their dominance as City wilted in the Allianz Arena.
2. A hobby or recreational activity, done regularly.
3. (cycling) A discipline in track cycling where two opposing teams start on opposite sides of the track and try to catch their opponents.
4. (legal, obsolete) prosecution
• FullerThat pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court.

Derived terms

• curve of pursuit, pursuit curve
• in pursuit
• individual pursuit
• pursuit plane
• team pursuit