pursuer

Everyday

A pursuer is someone who is chasing or following another person or animal to try to catch them. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, chases and adventure tales, the pursuer is the one chasing; the hero may hide from pursuers. In nature lessons, a predator is the pursuer of its prey. In police news, «escape his pursuers». Phrases: «escape from pursuers», «shake off a pursuer», «in hot pursuit».

Examples

• The fox ran into a hole to escape its pursuers. tree →
• The thief looked back at his pursuers. tree →
• The rabbit was faster than its pursuer. tree →
• The hero hid in a cave until his pursuers had gone. tree →
• The cheetah is a fast pursuer but tires quickly. tree →
• She shook off her pursuers by climbing over the wall. tree →
• The pursuers returned to the Water King. tree →

Note

Countable noun. From «pursue» (to chase, or to work towards a goal) + -er. Related noun: pursuit («in hot pursuit»). Spelling: pursuer has «-suer» at the end.

In Jewish tradition

In Lamentations the pursuers are the enemies who chase Judah into exile.

Interpretation. The tradition reads the book as a lament for Jerusalem's fall and is read on Tisha B'Av. It mourns the exile and hopes for return.

Examples

• Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heaven; they chased us upon the mountains, they lay in wait for us in the wilderness. (Writings LAM.4.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Judah is gone into exile because of affliction, and because of great servitude; she dwelleth among the nations, she findeth no rest; all her pursuers overtook her within the straits. (Writings LAM.1.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And gone is from the daughter of Zion all her splendour; her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer. (Writings LAM.1.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun. From «pursue» (to chase, or to work towards a goal) + -er. Related noun: pursuit («in hot pursuit»). Spelling: pursuer has «-suer» at the end.