Definition

1. Phrasal Verb:
   • To pursue or chase someone or something: To follow someone or something with the intention of catching, reaching, or obtaining them.
   • To try to get or achieve something: To make an effort to attain a goal, position, or object.

Usage

• Literal Pursuit: Used when physically following or chasing.
  • The detective decided to go after the suspect on foot.
• Figurative Pursuit: Used when seeking to obtain something non-physical, like a job, goal, or opportunity.
  • You should go after your dreams no matter what.
  • She plans to go after the promotion when the position opens.

Advanced Usage

• "to go after someone": Can imply romantic pursuit or seeking someone's attention/affection.
  • He's been going after her for months, but she's not interested.
• "to go after something aggressively": To pursue with great determination or vigor.
  • The company is going after new markets aggressively.

Variants and Related Words

• Pursue (verb): A more formal synonym meaning to follow or seek to attain.
• Chase (verb): Often used interchangeably for physical pursuit.
• Seek (verb): A general term for trying to find or obtain.

Synonyms

• Pursue
• Chase
• Follow
• Seek
• Hunt for

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Go for: To try to get or choose.
  • I think I'll go for the chocolate cake.
• Run after: To chase (often used literally).
  • The child ran after the ball into the street.

Related Idioms

• Go all out for: To put maximum effort into achieving something.
  • She went all out for the championship title.
• In hot pursuit: Chasing someone or something closely and with determination.
  • The police were in hot pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

Verb

1. go in search of or hunt for
   • pursue a hobby
2. go after with the intent to catch
   • The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
   • the dog chased the rabbit