chase
Chase (verb) means to run after someone or something in order to catch them. Example: “The dog chased the ball across the park.”
How to Use Chase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo run after or pursue someone/something, whether literally or as a goal.
Word Forms
chased past tense, chased past tense, chases plural, chases plural, chases plural, chases singular, chases singular
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."
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.