/ pəˈsjuːt; NAmE pərˈsuːt/ noun
1.
[ U ] pursuit of sth the act of looking for or trying to find sth :
the pursuit of happiness / knowledge / profit
She travelled the world in pursuit of her dreams.
2.
[ U ] the act of following or chasing sb :
We drove away with two police cars in pursuit (= following) .
I galloped off on my horse with Rosie in hot pursuit (= following quickly behind) .
3.
[ C , usually pl. ] something that you give your time and energy to, that you do as a hobby
SYN hobby , pastime :
outdoor / leisure / artistic pursuits
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Anglo-Norman French purseute following after, from pursuer , from an alteration of Latin prosequi prosecute. Early senses included persecution, annoyance and in legal contexts petition, prosecution .