Hunt: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in the context of pursuing animals or game for food or sport. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of chasing or pursuing something with determination.

• They went to the forest to hunt deer.
• The detectives are on the hunt for the criminal.

Used when looking for something with a certain degree of thoroughness or seriousness. It implies a systematic approach.

• The police conducted a search for the missing person.
• He searched through the database for the information.

Commonly used to describe the act of trying to find something or someone, often in everyday situations. Not as intensive or formal as 'search' or 'seek'.

• I am looking for my keys.
• She was looking for a job in the city.

Often used in more formal contexts or to describe the act of trying to obtain or achieve something. It suggests an earnest or diligent effort.

• She seeks advice from her mentors.
• Many young people seek employment abroad.

Appropriate when referring to the pursuit and killing of wild animals for food, sport, or trade.

• They went on a hunt in the woods last weekend.
• The lions hunt their prey at night.

Suitable for describing activities where firearms are used, either for hunting game or target practice. Sometimes has a negative connotation because it can refer to violence involving guns.

• They went shooting at the range this morning.
• He enjoys shooting clay pigeons with his friends.

Used when referring to the activity of catching fish for food or sport.

• We spent the afternoon fishing by the lake.
• Fishing is a relaxing hobby for many people.

Refers to capturing animals using traps, often for fur, research, or pest control. It can have a negative connotation when viewed as inhumane or environmentally unfriendly.

• Trapping beavers was common in this area a century ago.
• They set up traps to catch the foxes that were bothering livestock.