verb (used with object), sought, seek·ing.
- to go in search or quest of: to seek the truth.
- to try to find or discover by searching or questioning: to seek the solution to a problem.
- to try to obtain: to seek fame.
- to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive): to seek to convince a person.
- to go to: to seek a place to rest.
- to ask for; request: to seek advice.
- Archaic. to search or explore.
verb (used without object), sought, seek·ing.
- to make inquiry.
Idioms
- be sought after, to be desired or in demand: Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.
verb seeks, seeking or sought (mainly tr)
- (when intr, often foll by for or after) to try to find by searching; look forto seek a solution
- (also intr) to try to obtain or acquireto seek happiness
- to attempt (to do something); tryI’m only seeking to help
- (also intr) to enquire about or request (something)to seek help
- to go or resort toto seek the garden for peace
- an archaic word for explore
v.Old English secan “inquire, search for; pursue; long for, wish for, desire; look for, expect from,” influenced by Old Norse soekja, both from Proto-Germanic *sokjan (cf. Old Saxon sokian, Old Frisian seka, Middle Dutch soekan, Old High German suohhan, German suchen, Gothic sokjan), from PIE *sag-yo-, from root *sag- “to track down, seek out” (cf. Latin sagire “to perceive quickly or keenly,” sagus “presaging, predicting,” Old Irish saigim “seek”). The natural modern form of the Anglo-Saxon word as uninfluenced by Norse is in beseech. Related: Sought; seeking. see play hide and seek.