Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who follows or chases someone or something in order to catch them: This is the most common meaning, referring to someone actively trying to overtake or capture another.
   • A person who strives to achieve a particular goal or follows a particular course of action: This meaning refers to someone dedicated to an aim, such as a pursuit of knowledge or truth.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The thief ran through the alley, with his pursuers close behind.
  • She is a dedicated pursuer of excellence in her field.
  • In the legal case, the pursuer filed the lawsuit against the company.

Advanced Usage

• In a figurative or abstract sense: Often used to describe someone dedicated to an intangible ideal.
  • He was a lifelong pursuer of justice and equality.
• In legal contexts (Scottish Law): Specifically refers to the plaintiff or prosecutor in a case.
  • The pursuer in the civil suit sought damages for breach of contract.

Variants and Related Words

• Pursue (verb): To follow or chase, or to strive for a goal.
  • She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
• Pursuit (noun): The act of pursuing, or an activity that one engages in.
  • His favorite leisure pursuit is photography.

Synonyms

• Chaser: One who pursues, especially in a physical chase.
• Hunter: One who seeks something, often game or a target.
• Seeker: One who searches for or tries to obtain something (often used for abstract goals).
• Plaintiff (legal synonym): The party who initiates a lawsuit.

Related Phrases

• Hot pursuer: A pursuer who is very close to catching someone.
  • The police were hot pursuers and caught the suspect within minutes.
• To evade one's pursuers: To escape or avoid being caught by those chasing you.
  • The fugitive managed to evade his pursuers by hiding in the forest.

Noun

1. a person who pursues some plan or goal
   • a pursuer of truth
2. a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture
   • always before he had been able to outwit his pursuers