pursuit

[per-soot]

noun

1. the act of pursuing.

   in pursuit of the fox.

   Synonyms: hunt, chase

2. an effort to secure or attain; quest.

   the pursuit of happiness.

   Synonyms: search

3. any occupation, pastime, or the like, in which a person is engaged regularly or customarily.

   literary pursuits.

   Synonyms: inclination, preoccupation, activity

pursuit

/ pəˈsjuːt /

noun

1. 1. the act of pursuing, chasing, or striving after

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pursuit plane

2. an occupation, hobby, or pastime

3. (in cycling) a race in which the riders set off at intervals along the track and attempt to overtake each other

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French purseute, from Vulgar Latin prōsequita (unrecorded), from Latin prōsecūta, feminine of prōsecūtus “followed,” past participle of prōsequī “to follow, continue”; pursue

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

C14: from Old French poursieute, from poursivre to prosecute, _pursue

Example Sentences

There are limited exceptions to this which allow a state to seize a ship, such as a "hot pursuit" where a vessel is chased from a country's waters into the high seas.

From BBC

I was really curious, was there was ever a pivotal moment in your career that really impacted the way that you approach music or approach creative pursuits?

From Los Angeles Times

A Times investigation in July found that the aggressive pursuit of federal charges against people protesting immigration enforcement in Southern California has led to weak cases being rejected again and again by grand juries.

From Los Angeles Times

They said that Stuttgart would not sell - regardless of the buying club - following Bayern Munich's previous failed pursuit.

From BBC

With time ticking down on his illustrious career, there is less room for error in his pursuit of a standalone record 25th major title.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• activity 
• career 
• occupation 
• undertaking