give chase
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To pursue or follow someone or something with the intention of catching them. It describes the act of actively trying to reach, capture, or overtake a target that is moving away.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the action of pursuit. It is typically followed by a direct object (the person or thing being chased). It often implies speed and determination.
Examples
- The police officer decided to give chase to the speeding vehicle.
- When the cat saw the mouse, it immediately gave chase.
- The children gave chase after the ice cream truck.
Advanced Usage
- "to give hot chase": To pursue very closely and urgently.
- The security guards gave hot chase to the shoplifter.
- The phrase can be used in both literal (physical) and figurative contexts, though the figurative use is less common.
- The journalist gave chase to the story, following every lead. (Figurative: pursued the story diligently)
Variants and Related Words
- Chase (verb): The simpler, more common form with the same core meaning.
- The dog chased the ball.
- Pursue (verb): A more formal synonym.
- Go after (phrasal verb): An informal synonym.
Synonyms
- Pursue
- Run after
- Go after
- Follow in pursuit
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Chase down: To pursue and successfully catch or capture.
- The reporter was determined to chase down the truth.
- Chase up: To try to obtain something or make someone do something more quickly.
- I need to chase up that invoice from the supplier. (Note: This is a different, idiomatic meaning related to prompting action, not physical pursuit.)
Related Idioms
- In hot pursuit: Chasing someone or something very closely and determinedly.
- The patrol car sped off in hot pursuit.
- Lead someone on a merry chase: To cause someone to pursue you in a lengthy, difficult, or confusing manner.
- The suspect led the detectives on a merry chase through the city.
Verb
- go after with the intent to catch
- The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
- the dog chased the rabbit