English Reference

Word

chase

US/ˈtʃeɪs/

UK/tʃˈeɪs/

Definitions

01to pursue

A2 · Elementary

v. to run after someone or something to catch them.

v. to follow rapidly in order to catch or overtake. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

“The dog loves to chase squirrels in the park every morning.”

“The police cruiser chased the suspect through narrow alleyways before finally cornering the vehicle near the docks.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02to follow a drink

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to drink something mild, like water or beer, immediately after a strong alcoholic drink.

v. to consume a milder beverage immediately after a shot of spirits to mitigate the harshness.

“He drank a shot of tequila and chased it with a sip of lime juice.”

“In many casual settings, patrons prefer to chase potent whiskey shots with a light lager to cleanse the palate.”

03to decorate metal

C2 · Proficiency Technical

v. to decorate a metal surface by cutting or hitting it with tools.

v. to ornament a metal surface by embossing or engraving with hammer and tools.

“The artist used a small hammer to chase a pattern into the silver bowl.”

“The silversmith spent weeks chasing intricate floral motifs into the ceremonial shield, ensuring every line was perfectly symmetrical.”

Synonyms

engraveemboss

04the act of pursuit

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the act of following someone or something to catch them.

n. the act of pursuing someone or something; a pursuit or hunt.

“The high-speed chase ended safely when the driver stopped the car.”

“The documentary captured the thrilling chase between the cheetah and the gazelle across the vast African savannah.”

Synonyms

05jazz solos

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical

n. a part of a jazz song where musicians take turns playing short solos.

n. a series of short, improvised solos played by different musicians in alternation.

“The trumpet and saxophone players had an exciting chase during the final song.”

“The highlight of the set was a spirited chase between the two tenor saxophonists, each trying to outdo the other's melodic complexity.”

Synonyms

trading fours

06wall groove

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a slot or channel cut into a wall to hide pipes or wires.

n. a groove or trench cut into a masonry wall to accommodate electrical conduit or plumbing.

“The electrician cut a chase in the brickwork to hide the new cables.”

“Before the plastering could begin, the contractor had to ensure every chase was deep enough to house the heavy-duty drainage pipes.”

07printing frame

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Archaic · Technical

n. a metal frame used to hold rows of type for printing.

n. a rectangular iron or steel frame in which composed type is secured for printing.

“The printer locked the letters into the chase before starting the press.”

“Traditional letterpress printing requires the compositor to carefully justify the type within the chase to prevent any movement during the run.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “chase” in context.

Verb

01. abandon the chase

“The officers decided to abandon the chase because it was becoming too dangerous for pedestrians.”

verb + noun

02. give chase

“When the thief grabbed her bag, a passerby immediately gave chase.”

verb + noun

03. lead a chase

“The suspect led the police on a high-speed chase through the city center.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. thrilling chase

“The movie ends with a thrilling chase across the rooftops of Paris.”

adj + noun

05. wild chase

“We were led on a wild chase all over town looking for the lost keys.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. car chase

“Action films almost always feature at least one dramatic car chase.”

noun + noun

07. thrill of the chase

“For many collectors, the thrill of the chase is more exciting than actually owning the item.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

08. in chase

“The dog ran across the park in chase of a gray squirrel.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“Journalists breathlessly chase the latest, flashiest studies so their headlines get clicks online.”
Aeon 6 Oct 2026
“One video posted on the website of Spanish daily El País showed police chasing some members of the group through the streets and the newspaper also reported that officers had made three arrests.”
The Guardian 3 Oct 2026
“That officer chased Garces Perez in his own vehicle and caught up with him a short time later.”
Al Jazeera 29 Sept 2026
“It started with Casanova chasing a chambermaid around the stage, as he was known to do, and then he has a heart attack.”
The Guardian 9 Oct 2026

Word family

VERB

chase(B2)

Idioms

Domains

MusicNauticalPrinting

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference