run after

Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): 1. To pursue or chase: "run after" means to follow someone or something quickly in an attempt to catch them. 2. To seek the attention or affection of: "run after" can also mean to try to gain the romantic interest or approval of someone. 3. To try to achieve or obtain: "run after" is used metaphorically to mean striving for a goal, object, or benefit.

Usage Examples

  • To pursue or chase:

    • The dog ran after the car for several blocks. (The dog chased the moving vehicle.)
    • She ran after the thief but couldn't catch him. (She attempted to capture the criminal by following quickly.)

  • To seek the attention or affection of:

    • He is always running after celebrities, hoping for a selfie. (He persistently tries to get close to famous people.)
    • Stop running after her; she's not interested in a relationship. (Do not keep pursuing her romantic interest.)

  • To try to achieve or obtain:

    • Many young people run after success without considering the cost. (They strive intensely for achievement.)
    • She spent years running after a promotion that never came. (She worked hard to obtain a higher position.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to run after one's own tail": to engage in futile or pointless activity.

    • The committee spent hours running after its own tail, discussing the same issues. (They wasted time on unproductive repetition.)

  • "to run after shadows": to pursue something that is illusory or unattainable.

    • He's running after shadows, believing he can become a famous singer overnight. (He is chasing an unrealistic dream.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Run (verb): the base word, meaning to move quickly on foot.
    • She can run very fast. (She moves quickly using her legs.)
  • After (preposition/adverb): indicating pursuit or following in time or space.
    • He went after the ball. (He followed the ball to retrieve it.)
Synonyms
  • Chase: to pursue with the intent to catch.
    • The police chased the suspect down the street. (They ran after the suspect.)
  • Pursue: to follow in order to overtake or achieve.
    • She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. (She ran after her goal.)
  • Court: to try to win the affection of someone (often romantically).
    • He courted her for months. (He ran after her for romantic interest.)
Phrasal Verbs (related)
  • Run down: to pursue and capture or criticize.
    • The detective ran down the lead. (He pursued the clue to its conclusion.)
  • Run out on: to abandon or leave someone.
    • He ran out on his family. (He deserted them, opposite of running after.)
Related Idioms
  • Run after a rainbow: to pursue an unrealistic or impossible goal.
    • Trying to get rich quick is like running after a rainbow. (It is an unattainable fantasy.)
  • Run after the wind: to chase something insubstantial or fleeting.
    • Her constant shopping was like running after the wind. (It was a meaningless pursuit.)