Definition

1. Verb:
   • To follow rapidly with the intent to catch or capture: The primary meaning involves moving quickly behind someone or something to apprehend or reach them.
   • To pursue someone with romantic or sexual interest: A figurative meaning describing persistent romantic pursuit.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Literal Pursuit):

  • The police officer had to chase after the suspect on foot.
  • Our dog loves to chase after squirrels in the park.

• Verb (Romantic Pursuit):

  • He spent months chasing after her, but she wasn't interested.
  • She grew tired of men who would only chase after her for her looks.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies effort, speed, and determination in the pursuit, whether literal or figurative.
• It can sometimes carry a slightly informal or colloquial tone, especially in the romantic sense.

Variants and Related Words

• Chase (verb): The core verb, often used interchangeably with "chase after," though "chase" can be more direct. (e.g., )
• Pursue (verb): A more formal synonym for both literal and figurative chasing. (e.g., , )
• Give chase (phrase): A set phrase meaning to begin chasing. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Run after: Very close in meaning, often used for literal pursuit.
• Follow in hot pursuit: Emphasizes immediacy and closeness in the chase.
• Woo or Court: More specific synonyms for the romantic sense of "chase after."

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Chase down: To pursue and successfully catch or obtain.
  • The reporter chased down the lead until she found the truth.
• Chase up: To pursue in order to obtain something needed, like information or a payment.
  • I need to chase up that invoice from the client.

Related Idioms

• A wild goose chase: A futile pursuit or search for something unattainable.
  • Looking for a cheap apartment in that neighborhood is a wild goose chase.
• Chase rainbows: To pursue unrealistic goals or dreams.
  • He's always chasing rainbows instead of focusing on a practical career.

Verb

1. go after with the intent to catch
   • The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
   • the dog chased the rabbit
2. pursue someone sexually or romantically