chase
UK: tʃeɪs | US: tʃeɪs
vt. to pursue in order to catch or catch up with
vt. to drive or force to move in a particular direction
n. the act of pursuing someone or something
n. a series of steeplechase fences or hurdles
chase = chas<to hunt> + e<verb suffix>
- chas (from Old French chacier, meaning "to hunt, pursue")
- e (a common verb-forming suffix in English, often silent in modern pronunciation)
Etymology Origin:
The word "chase" entered English in the 13th century from Old French chacier, which itself derived from Latin captiare ("to try to seize," from capere, "to take"). The core idea of "hunting" or "pursuing" has remained consistent, though its usage expanded to include metaphorical pursuits (e.g., chasing dreams). The silent -e reflects Middle English spelling conventions.
The police chased the thief through the alley.
She chased her dog around the yard to get the ball back.
The film features an exciting car chase scene.
He spent years chasing fame but found happiness in simplicity.
The fox chased the rabbit into its burrow.