pursue

Etymology

From Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-Norman pursure, poursuire etc., from Latin prōsequor (though influenced by persequor). Doublet of prosecute.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.
   pursue one's dreams
   He now feared for his life, and believed US intelligence agents would pursue him. 15 September 2009, Martin Chulov, “Iraqi shoe-thrower claims he suffered torture in jail”, in The Guardian
2. (transitive) To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).
   Her rival pursued a quite different course.
3. (transitive) To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
   He even stands to gain in world terms: his noisy critics strengthen his projected image of a man determined to pursue peace with Palestinians. 1 December 2009, Benjamin Pogrund, “Freeze won't hurt Netanyahu”, in The Guardian
4. (transitive) To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).
   The Kedarites are depicted as herders of sheep and goats who pursued a seminomadic existence and lived scattered over a wide area of the desert region east of the land of Israel. 2001, David L. Lieber, Jules Harlow, Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, page 141
5. (intransitive) To act as a legal prosecutor.