chase
chays
Chase (verb) means to run after someone or something in order to catch them. Example: “The dog chased the ball across the park.”
verb
1
To run after someone or something in order to catch them.
"The dog chased the ball across the park."
"Police chased the stolen car through the city centre."
"The children chase each other around the garden every summer evening."
2
To pursue a goal, opportunity, or ambition persistently.
"She moved to New York to chase her dream of becoming an actress."
"Many young graduates chase high-paying jobs in big cities."
"He decided to stop chasing promotions and spend more time with his family."
3
To drink something mild right after a strong alcoholic drink.
"He chased the whisky shot with a mouthful of beer."
"He chased the rum with a glass of cola."
"I always chase a strong spirit with a glass of lemonade."
noun
1
An act of pursuing someone or something, especially at speed.
"The film's car chase was praised as one of the best in years."
"The cat gave up the chase when the mouse vanished under the fridge."
"Our game of tag turned into a long chase around the playground."
How to use chase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo run after or pursue someone/something, whether literally or as a goal.
Common pairings
high-speed chase
chase a dream
chase after someone
give chase
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Word forms
- Plural
- chases
- Third person singular
- chases
- Past tense
- chased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog _____ the ball across the park.
Etymology
From Old French chacier, from Vulgar Latin captiare, based on Latin capere ("to seize"). A doublet of "catch," related to "capture."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for chase
See all rhymes for chase →Frequently asked questions
What does “chase” mean?
The word “chase” means to run after someone or something in order to catch them. In plain terms, to run after or pursue someone/something, whether literally or as a goal.
How do you pronounce “chase”?
“Chase” is pronounced chays (/t͡ʃeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “chase” in a sentence?
Here is “chase” used in a sentence: “The dog chased the ball across the park.”
What is another word for “chase”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chase” include pursue.
What part of speech is “chase”?
Depending on how it is used, “chase” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “chase” come from?
The word “chase” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French chacier, from Vulgar Latin captiare, based on Latin capere ("to seize"). A doublet of "catch," related to "capture.".
Is “chase” a common word?
“Chase” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “chase” have?
“Chase” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to run after someone or something in order to catch them.
What is the difference between 'chase' and 'pursue'?
'Chase' suggests an active, often fast physical run after someone or something — a dog chasing a ball. 'Pursue' is broader and more formal, covering sustained or figurative efforts, such as pursuing a career or a legal claim. All chasing is a form of pursuing, but not all pursuing is chasing.
What is the opposite of 'chase'?
The main opposites are 'flee,' 'run away,' 'escape,' and 'retreat' — the actions of the one being chased. 'Evade' and 'elude' describe successfully avoiding a chaser. If chasing means trying to catch someone, its natural reverse is fleeing in order to avoid being caught.
What is an example of 'chase' in a sentence?
"The police chased the suspect through the streets" shows the literal sense of running to catch someone. It also works figuratively: "she chased her dream of becoming a pilot," or "he is always chasing deadlines," where the goal is pursued and worked toward rather than physically caught.
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