# chase

/ˈtʃeɪs/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chase
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to pursue

verb · CEFR A2

to run after someone or something to catch them.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to follow a drink

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to decorate metal

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. the act of pursuit

noun · CEFR B1

the act of following someone or something to catch them.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. jazz solos

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. wall groove

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 7. printing frame

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The police officer began a high-speed chase through the city.
- After a long chase through the woods, the dog finally caught up with the rabbit.
- The documentary captures the intense adrenaline of the chase as the cheetah narrows the gap between itself and the fleeing gazelle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.