manhunt
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmænˌhənt// UK //mˈænhʌnt// man·hunt
n. an organized search by many people, especially the police, to find a criminal or someone who has escaped. It usually involves a large area and a lot of effort.
n. an intensive, large-scale search for a person, typically a fugitive or suspected criminal, conducted by law enforcement or military forces.
The police started a massive manhunt for the escaped prisoner.
After the bank robbery, authorities launched a nationwide manhunt to track down the suspects before they could cross the border.
The investigation culminated in a high-stakes manhunt across the rugged mountain terrain, involving hundreds of officers and thermal imaging technology to locate the fugitive.
From man + hunt.
Usage
Often used with verbs like 'launch', 'conduct', or 'organize'.