hunt
/hʌnt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To chase and try to catch or kill an animal for food, sport, or control. It can also mean to search for something carefully.
- They hunt deer in the winter.
- Police are hunting for the suspect.
- She hunted through the drawer for her keys.
noun
The activity of chasing and catching animals, or a careful search for something. It can also mean a period of active searching.
- The hunt lasted all morning.
- We went on a hunt for a new flat.
- The hunt for answers continues.
Adinary Nuance
Hunt is stronger and more active than search. You hunt when you are chasing, tracking, or looking with energy and purpose. Search is more general and neutral, while look for is simpler and more everyday. Hunt can sound vivid, urgent, or even aggressive.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- săn
- Spanish
- cazar
- Chinese
- 狩猎
- Japanese
- 狩る
- Korean
- 사냥하다
Etymology
Hunt comes from Old English huntian, meaning 'to chase'. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
go huntinggo on a hunthunt for somethingthe hunt is on
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hunt more formal than look for?
- Yes. Hunt is more vivid and less neutral than look for. Look for is the safer everyday choice.
- Can hunt mean search in business writing?
- Yes, but it sounds active and forceful. In business writing, search or seek is often calmer.
- What is the difference between hunt and search?
- Hunt suggests tracking or strong effort. Search is broader and more neutral.
- Can hunt be used without animals?
- Yes. People often say hunt for jobs, clues, answers, or keys.