chase

An act of following someone or something quickly to catch them or get it.

• The chase lasted an hour.
• Police caught him after a car chase.
• The dog gave chase when the rabbit ran away.

How to use it: chase after someone/something (The chase after the thief lasted ten minutes.)

Similar words: pursuit

Common phrases: car chase, give chase, chase after someone

To follow someone or something quickly, trying to catch them.

• The dog chased a cat.
• Two officers chased the thief down the street.
• Why are you chasing that bus?

How to use it: chase after someone/something (The children chased after the dog.)

Similar words: pursue, run after

Common phrases: chase someone, chase after someone, chase a ball, chase a thief

To make someone or something leave by following them or frightening them.

• She chased the flies away.
• The farmer chased the birds out of the field.
• Our dog will chase off any strange cats.

How to use it: chase someone/something away (We chased the birds away.); chase someone/something out of something (The owner chased the stray dog out of the shop.)

Similar words: drive away, shoo away

Common phrases: chase someone away, chase something off, chase something out

To try hard to get or achieve something.

• He is chasing his dream.
• Several clubs are chasing the league title.
• She spent years chasing success in the film industry.

Similar words: pursue, seek

Common phrases: chase a dream, chase success, chase a title