Top 35 Slang For Pursue – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to dating and relationships, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest slang. Pursuing someone is a common phrase used to describe the act of showing interest and trying to start a romantic relationship. But did you know that there are other trendy phrases and slang words to express the same idea? In this listicle, we’ve gathered the top slang for pursue to help you navigate the modern dating scene and impress your crush with your hip vocabulary. Get ready to up your game and take your pursuit to the next level!

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1. Track down

To track down means to search for and locate someone or something. It often implies a determined effort to find and capture.

For example, a detective might say, “We need to track down the suspect and bring them in for questioning.”
In a conversation about a missing person, someone might suggest, “We should hire a private investigator to track them down.”
A journalist investigating a story might say, “I managed to track down the elusive witness and get their side of the story.”

2. Stalk

In slang terms, to stalk means to obsessively follow or monitor someone’s activities, typically online or in person, often with a negative connotation.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s been stalking her ex-boyfriend on social media for months.”
In a discussion about privacy, someone might warn, “Be careful what you post online, you never know who might be stalking you.”
A person sharing a funny story might say, “I accidentally stalked a celebrity when I didn’t realize they were walking right behind me.”

3. Tail

To tail means to follow someone discreetly, often with the intention of observing their actions or gathering information.

For example, a detective might say, “We need to tail the suspect to see where they’re going.”
In a spy movie, a character might say, “I’ll tail the target while you search their office.”
A person discussing surveillance might say, “Tailing someone requires skill and the ability to blend in with the surroundings.”

4. Hound

To hound means to persistently pursue or bother someone, often with repeated requests or demands.

For instance, someone might say, “She hounded me for weeks to lend her money.”
In a conversation about a persistent salesman, someone might complain, “He hounded me with phone calls and emails even after I told him I wasn’t interested.”
A person discussing a pushy boss might say, “They hound us for updates on our progress every hour.”

5. Shadow

To shadow means to follow closely, often in a covert or discreet manner, with the intention of observing or monitoring someone’s actions.

For example, a spy might say, “I’ll shadow the target to gather information without being noticed.”
In a discussion about surveillance techniques, someone might say, “Shadowing someone requires careful planning and the ability to blend in with the surroundings.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I once had a feeling I was being shadowed while walking home late at night.”

6. Dog

To “dog” someone means to follow them closely or persistently. It can also refer to continuously bothering or nagging someone.

For example, “The paparazzi dogs celebrities wherever they go.”
In a detective novel, a character might say, “I’m going to dog this suspect until I get some answers.”
A person might complain, “My boss dogs me all day, constantly asking for updates.”

7. Run down

To “run down” means to chase and catch up to someone or something. It can also refer to exhausting oneself physically in the pursuit of someone or something.

For instance, “The police officer ran down the suspect and apprehended him.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “He’s running down the field, trying to catch the ball.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “I love running down the trails, pushing myself to the limit.”

8. Run the gauntlet

To “run the gauntlet” means to endure a series of challenges or obstacles, often in a confrontational or dangerous situation. It can also refer to facing criticism or judgment from a group of people.

For example, “The politician ran the gauntlet of tough questions during the press conference.”
In a military context, a soldier might say, “We had to run the gauntlet of enemy fire to reach our objective.”
A person might say, “I ran the gauntlet of disapproving looks when I showed up late to the meeting.”

9. Give chase

To “give chase” means to pursue someone or something, usually in an attempt to catch or capture them.

For instance, “The police gave chase to the fleeing bank robbers.”
In a wildlife documentary, a narrator might say, “The lioness gives chase to the gazelle, hoping to catch her next meal.”
A person might say, “I saw my dog running away and immediately gave chase to bring him back home.”

10. Press on

To “press on” means to continue moving forward or pursuing something, despite difficulties or obstacles.

For example, “Despite the rain, the hikers pressed on towards the summit.”
In a motivational speech, a speaker might say, “No matter what challenges you face, keep pressing on towards your goals.”
A person might say, “I know it’s tough, but we have to press on and finish this project.”

11. Go in pursuit of

This phrase means to actively follow or chase someone or something in order to catch or obtain it.

For example, “The police went in pursuit of the suspect after the robbery.”
A hunter might say, “I’m going in pursuit of a big game tomorrow.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The team is in pursuit of a championship title this season.”

12. Keep after

This phrase means to continue pursuing or trying to obtain something, often with determination or persistence.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “Keep after your dreams and never give up.”
A coach might encourage their players by saying, “Keep after the ball and don’t let up.”
In a work setting, a supervisor might say, “Keep after that project until it’s completed.”

13. Hot on the trail

This phrase is used to describe being very close to finding or catching someone or something that is being pursued.

For example, a detective might say, “We’re hot on the trail of the missing person.”
A journalist might write, “The reporter was hot on the trail of a major scandal.”
In a suspenseful movie, a character might say, “The killer is on the loose, but the police are hot on the trail.”

14. Be on the lookout for

This phrase means to be watchful and attentive in order to notice or find someone or something that is being pursued or sought after.

For instance, a security guard might say, “Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.”
A hiker might be advised, “Be on the lookout for wildlife while on the trail.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, one player might say, “I’m hiding, so be on the lookout for me.”

15. Go all out for

This phrase means to put in maximum effort or energy in pursuing or striving for something.

For example, a student might say, “I’m going all out for an A+ on this exam.”
A job applicant might declare, “I’m going all out for that promotion.”
In a sports competition, a coach might say, “Go all out for the win and leave everything on the field.”

16. Hunt

This term refers to actively pursuing or searching for something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, from hunting for game to searching for information or clues.

For example, “He went on a hunt for the perfect birthday gift for his girlfriend.”
In a detective novel, the protagonist might say, “I’m going on the hunt for the truth.”
A journalist might write, “The reporter went on the hunt for exclusive interviews with the celebrities.”

17. Go on the hunt for

This phrase is similar to “hunt” and implies actively engaging in a search or pursuit. It can be used in various situations where one is actively seeking something or someone.

For instance, “She decided to go on the hunt for a new job.”
In a treasure hunt game, a participant might say, “Let’s go on the hunt for hidden clues.”
A nature enthusiast might plan to “go on the hunt for rare bird species” during a birdwatching trip.

18. Go on the trail of

This phrase refers to following the path or track of something or someone, similar to how a hunter might follow the trail of an animal. It can be used metaphorically or literally.

For example, “The detective went on the trail of the serial killer.”
In a hiking expedition, a participant might say, “Let’s go on the trail of the elusive mountain peak.”
A journalist investigating a scandal might say, “I’m going on the trail of the corrupt politicians.”

19. Go on the chase

This phrase implies actively engaging in a pursuit or chase. It can be used in various contexts, from chasing a criminal to pursuing a romantic interest.

For instance, “The police went on the chase after the bank robbers.”
In a romantic comedy, a character might say, “He’s going on the chase for the girl of his dreams.”
A sports commentator might say, “The athlete is going on the chase for the championship title.”

20. Go on the hunt

This phrase is similar to “hunt” and implies actively engaging in a search or pursuit. It can be used in various situations where one is actively seeking something or someone.

For example, “They went on the hunt for the missing treasure.”
In a scavenger hunt game, a participant might say, “Let’s go on the hunt for hidden objects.”
A journalist might go on the hunt for exclusive news stories during a press conference.

21. Go on the prowl for

To actively search or look for something or someone, often with the intention of pursuing or capturing them. “Go on the prowl for” is a phrase commonly used to describe someone actively seeking out a specific target or objective.

For example, a detective might say, “I’m going on the prowl for the suspect in this case.”
A person looking for a romantic partner might say, “I’m going on the prowl for someone special tonight.”
In a discussion about job hunting, someone might say, “I’m going on the prowl for a new career opportunity.”

22. Go on the trail

To actively pursue or follow someone or something, often with the intention of catching or capturing them. “Go on the trail” is a phrase commonly used to describe someone closely following the path or actions of a target.

For instance, a bounty hunter might say, “I’m going on the trail of a fugitive.”
A journalist investigating a story might say, “I’m going on the trail of corruption.”
In a discussion about wildlife photography, someone might say, “I’m going on the trail of elusive animals in the forest.”

23. Go on the pursuit of

To actively chase or follow someone or something, often with the intention of catching or reaching them. “Go on the pursuit of” is a phrase commonly used to describe someone actively chasing or following a target.

For example, a police officer might say, “I’m going on the pursuit of a speeding vehicle.”
A sports player trying to catch up with an opponent might say, “I’m going on the pursuit of the ball.”
In a discussion about personal goals, someone might say, “I’m going on the pursuit of my dreams.”

24. Go on the quest for

To actively search or look for something, often with the intention of achieving a specific goal or finding something valuable. “Go on the quest for” is a phrase commonly used to describe someone embarking on a journey or mission to find something.

For instance, an adventurer might say, “I’m going on the quest for hidden treasure.”
A student researching for a project might say, “I’m going on the quest for reliable sources.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “I’m going on the quest for self-discovery.”

25. Go on the mission to find

To actively set out on a mission or task to locate or discover something. “Go on the mission to find” is a phrase commonly used to describe someone undertaking a specific objective or assignment.

For example, a spy might say, “I’m going on the mission to find classified information.”
A rescue team member might say, “I’m going on the mission to find survivors in the wreckage.”
In a discussion about exploration, someone might say, “I’m going on the mission to find new lands.”

26. Go on the quest to locate

This phrase is used to describe the act of actively searching for someone or something. It implies a sense of adventure and determination.

For example, a detective might say, “I’m going on the quest to locate the missing person.”
A treasure hunter might announce, “I’m going on the quest to locate the hidden treasure.”
In a video game, a character might declare, “I’m going on the quest to locate the legendary weapon.”

27. Go on the mission to track down

This phrase is often used in reference to pursuing a person or object with the intention of capturing or apprehending them.

For instance, a police officer might say, “I’m going on the mission to track down the fugitive.”
A bounty hunter might declare, “I’m going on the mission to track down the wanted criminal.”
In a spy movie, a character might state, “I’m going on the mission to track down the enemy agent.”

28. Go on the quest to capture

This phrase implies a determined effort to catch or apprehend someone or something, often with a sense of adventure or purpose.

For example, a hunter might say, “I’m going on the quest to capture the elusive prey.”
A photographer might announce, “I’m going on the quest to capture the perfect shot.”
In a fantasy novel, a character might declare, “I’m going on the quest to capture the mythical creature.”

29. Go on the mission to apprehend

This phrase is commonly used in law enforcement or military contexts to describe the act of capturing or arresting a person.

For instance, a police officer might say, “I’m going on the mission to apprehend the suspect.”
A special agent might declare, “I’m going on the mission to apprehend the enemy spy.”
In a crime thriller, a character might state, “I’m going on the mission to apprehend the notorious criminal.”

30. Go on the quest to chase

This phrase is used to describe the act of actively chasing or pursuing someone or something, often with a sense of determination or excitement.

For example, a dog owner might say, “I’m going on the quest to chase the runaway dog.”
A sports player might announce, “I’m going on the quest to chase the championship title.”
In a action movie, a character might declare, “I’m going on the quest to chase the villain.”

31. Go on the mission to run after

This phrase refers to actively pursuing someone or something by running after them. It implies a sense of urgency and determination in the pursuit.

For example, a police officer might say, “We need to go on the mission to run after the suspect and apprehend them.”
In a game of tag, one player might shout, “I’m going on the mission to run after you!”
A person trying to catch a loose dog might say, “I’ll go on the mission to run after him and bring him back home.”

32. Go on the quest to follow

This phrase means to follow someone or something closely, usually in a persistent or determined manner. It implies a sense of curiosity or investigation in the pursuit.

For instance, a detective might say, “I will go on the quest to follow the suspect and gather more evidence.”
In a hiking expedition, one might say, “Let’s go on the quest to follow the trail and reach the summit.”
A person trying to find a lost item might declare, “I’ll go on the quest to follow every clue until I find it.”

33. Go on the mission to stalk

This phrase refers to closely monitoring or following someone in a secretive or intrusive manner. It implies a sense of obsession or surveillance in the pursuit.

For example, a private investigator might say, “I’ll go on the mission to stalk the subject and gather information.”
In a thriller novel, one character might say, “The antagonist is going on a mission to stalk the protagonist.”
A person suspecting infidelity might say, “I’m going on a mission to stalk my partner and find out the truth.”

34. Go on the quest to hound

This phrase means to persistently pursue or bother someone, often with repetitive or annoying actions. It implies a sense of annoyance or irritation in the pursuit.

For instance, a salesperson might say, “I’ll go on the quest to hound potential customers until they make a purchase.”
In a comedy movie, one character might say, “The annoying neighbor is going on a quest to hound the main character.”
A person asking for a favor might say, “I’ll go on a quest to hound you until you agree to help me.”

35. Go on the mission to tail

This phrase refers to discreetly following someone, usually to gather information or keep them under surveillance. It implies a sense of stealth or secrecy in the pursuit.

For example, a spy might say, “I’ll go on the mission to tail the target and gather intelligence.”
In a spy thriller, one character might say, “The secret agent is going on a mission to tail the enemy agent.”
A person suspecting their partner of cheating might say, “I’ll go on a mission to tail them and see if they’re meeting someone suspicious.”