# manhunt

/ˈmænˌhənt/ (US) · /mˈænhʌnt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manhunt
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: an intensive, large-scale search for a person, typically a fugitive or suspected criminal, conducted by law enforcement or military forces.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used with verbs like 'launch', 'conduct', or 'organize'.

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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.