seek
Pronounced:
/ˈsi:k/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
seeks; sought /ˈsɑ:t/ seek·ing Meaning:
[+ obj] somewhat formal 1 : to search for (someone or something) : to try to find (someone or something) ▪ He is seeking employment. [=he is looking for a job] ▪ The office is seeking a salesperson. ▪ The prince is seeking a wife. ▪ Snakes seek the sun to warm their bodies. ▪ thrill-seeking travelers [=travelers who want to have very exciting/thrilling experiences]
2 : to ask for (help, advice, etc.) ▪ You should visit your doctor and seek his advice. ▪ You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath. ▪ The church is seeking donations/volunteers.
3 a : to try to get or achieve (something) ▪ He sought revenge for his son's murder. ▪ During the war, she sought asylum in Spain. ▪ They sought refuge in Canada. ▪ The company is seeking new ways to improve service. ▪ The mayor is seeking reelection. ▪ She seeks perfection in her work. ▪ attention-seeking behavior ▪ Immigrants come to America to seek their fortune. [=to try to become rich] ▪ They are seeking compensation/damages [=they are trying to get money] for their loss. b : to make an attempt to do something ▪ Doctors have been seeking [=trying] to find a cure. ▪ The builders sought to make the bridge stronger.
2 : to ask for (help, advice, etc.) ▪ You should visit your doctor and seek his advice. ▪ You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath. ▪ The church is seeking donations/volunteers.
3 a : to try to get or achieve (something) ▪ He sought revenge for his son's murder. ▪ During the war, she sought asylum in Spain. ▪ They sought refuge in Canada. ▪ The company is seeking new ways to improve service. ▪ The mayor is seeking reelection. ▪ She seeks perfection in her work. ▪ attention-seeking behavior ▪ Immigrants come to America to seek their fortune. [=to try to become rich] ▪ They are seeking compensation/damages [=they are trying to get money] for their loss. b : to make an attempt to do something ▪ Doctors have been seeking [=trying] to find a cure. ▪ The builders sought to make the bridge stronger.
seek out [phrasal verb]
seek (someone or something) out or seek out (someone or something) : to search for and find (someone or something) ▪ His parents sought out the best doctors in the field. ▪ White blood cells seek out and destroy infections.
—see also heat-seeking
—seek·er noun plural seek·ers [count] ▪ seekers of perfection ▪ job/thrill/pleasure/autograph seekers