pursue
pur·sue / pərˈsoō/ • v. (-sues, -sued, -su·ing) [tr.] 1. follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them: the officer pursued the van| fig. a heavily indebted businessman was being pursued by creditors. ∎ seek to form a sexual relationship with (someone) in a persistent way: Sophie was being pursued by a number of men. ∎ seek to attain or accomplish (a goal), esp. over a long period: should people pursue their own happiness at the expense of others? ∎ archaic or poetic/lit. (of something unpleasant) persistently afflict (someone): mercy lasts as long as sin pursues man.2. (of a person or way) continue or proceed along (a path or route): the road pursued a straight course over the scrubland. ∎ engage in (an activity or course of action): Andrew was determined to pursue a computer career the council decided not to pursue an appeal. ∎ continue to investigate, explore, or discuss (a topic, idea, or argument): we shall not pursue the matter any further.DERIVATIVES: pur·su·a·ble adj.pur·su·er n.