seekseek /siːk/ ●●● S2 W1 AWL verb (past tense and past participle sought /sɔːt $ sɒːt/) [transitive] 
Do you think the president will seek re-election?seek refuge/asylum/shelter etc Thousands of people crossed the border, seeking refuge from the war.seek revenge/damages/compensation etc He sought revenge against Surkov for separating him from his wife and son.seek to do something Local schools are seeking to reduce the dropout rate.attention-seeking/publicity-seeking2seek (somebody’s) advice/help/assistance etc formal to ask someone for advice or help: If the symptoms persist, seek medical advice.3 written to look for someone or something SYN look for: new graduates seeking employment Attractive woman, 27, seeks male, 25-35, for fun and friendship.► see thesaurus at searchRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that they are looking for someone or something rather than seeking someone or something:· What kind of job are you looking for?4seek your fortune literary to go to another place hoping to gain success and wealth: Coles came to the Yukon in the 1970s to seek his fortune.5to move naturally towards something or into a particular position: Water seeks its own level. → heat-seeking, hide-and-seek, self-seeking, sought-afterCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2nounsseek help· He sought help from the police.seek advice/information· If in any doubt, seek the advice of a senior officer.seek support/approval· He said he would seek shareholder support for the proposal.seek permission· They are seeking permission to build 200 new houses.seek refuge/asylum/shelter (=try to find somewhere safe)· They sought refuge inside the castle.seek election/re-election (=try to be elected or re-elected)· He hasn’t decided whether to seek re-election.seek compensation/damages (=ask for money because of something bad you have suffered)· The other two may seek compensation for wrongful imprisonment.seek revenge· Dafoe plays a computer mastermind who seeks revenge on his former employer.adverbsactively· The university is actively seeking new funds.desperately· They ran in all directions, desperately seeking escape.seek somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb to try to find someone or something, especially when this is difficult: Our mission is to seek out the enemy and destroy them.
WORD ORIGINseek
Origin:
Old English secanVERB TABLE
seek
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | seek |
| he, she, it | seeks | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | sought |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have sought |
| he, she, it | has sought | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had sought |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will seek |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have sought |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am seeking |
| he, she, it | is seeking | |
| you, we, they | are seeking | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was seeking |
| you, we, they | were seeking | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been seeking |
| he, she, it | has been seeking | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been seeking |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be seeking |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been seeking |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Do you think the President will seek re-election?
- Economics graduate, aged 25, with business experience, seeks interesting part-time work in the West London area.
- If you are at all worried about your symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
- In his lawsuit, Wyman is seeking $12 million in damages from his former employers.
- Take two tablets every four hours. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
- The Carsons sought advice from their lawyer.
- The government is seeking support from teachers for its latest education reforms.
- The number of needy Americans seeking emergency food and shelter increased by 7% last year.
- Each person has never sought an honour or payment for their selfless work, preferring quietly to get on with the job.
- Holding elections to seek voter approval of existing taxes and fees is another expense.
- It seeks to put legislative power directly into the hands of the people and circumvent the long-standing institutions of representative government.
- It presumes that reality is dynamic rather than static, and therefore seeks relationships between ideas, to aim at synthesis.
- Or shall we seek comfort in the language of religion?
- Significantly, almost 66 % of the patients reported previously seeking treatment from other physicians for their erectile dysfunction.
- The counsellor should seek to be as warm, supportive and caring as possible.
THESAURUS
to look carefully for someone or something: · Detectives continue to search for clues.· She searched through all his clothes.
to try to get someone or something you want or need: · I’m looking for something to wear for my sister’s wedding.· The band is looking for a singer.· He’s decided to look for a new career.
used especially when someone or something is difficult to find: · I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space.· She was in the kitchen, trying to find something to eat that wasn’t raw carrot.
formal to try to find something or someone – used especially about jobs, help, or information. Also used in newspaper advertisements when trying to find a suitable person: · They went there seeking work.· She decided to seek help.· Tall blond 18-year-old male seeks female 17+ for friendship.
to look for someone or something. Used when you look very carefully and thoroughly, or in the phrase house/job/bargain hunting: · I’ve hunted everywhere, but I can’t find a recipe for French onion soup.· She’s gone out bargain-hunting in the sales.
to be continuously looking for someone or something: · I’m always on the lookout for a good bargain.
to look for someone or something in every possible place: · The police say they will leave no stone unturned in their search for the killer.
Longman Language Activatorto ask someone for their advice to ask someone to advise you about something: · Can I ask your advice? I need to find somewhere to stay in London.ask sb's advice on/about: · I always ask my brother's advice about computers.
written to ask someone to advise you or to try to find someone to advise you, especially someone who has special or professional knowledge: seek advice from somebody: · The best thing to do is to seek advice from an expert.seek somebody's advice on: · Carla sought her grandmother's advice on all personal matters.
also take advice British: get legal/medical/professional etc advice to ask someone who has special knowledge to advise you about a problem that you cannot deal with by yourself: · If the debt is not paid within seven days, we will take legal advice.· Pregnant women should get medical advice before taking any kind of drug.get legal etc advice on: · She had told her employers that she would be getting professional advice on her rights.
formal to get advice from someone who is trained in a particular profession, for example a lawyer or a doctor: · If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.· I want to consult my lawyer before I say anything.consult somebody about something: · Tonight the President will consult his military observers about the likelihood of an attack.
to ask for something, or to ask someone to do something · If you ever need any help with anything, you only have to ask.· She might be willing to babysit, but you won't know till you ask her.ask (somebody) for something · A lot of people don't like asking for help.· He can't pay the rent, but he still doesn't want to ask his parents for money.ask something of somebody · All I've ever asked of you is to try to be polite to my mother.ask somebody to do something · I've asked Mary to water the plants for me while I'm away.ask to do something (=ask to be allowed to do something) · The man on the phone wasn't very helpful, so I asked to speak with the manager.ask if you can do something · Letty's been asking me if she can take the dog out for a walk.
to ask for something you are going to pay for - use this about asking for food or drink in restaurants, or asking companies to send you goods: · Would you like to order a drink before dinner?· We had ordered a pale blue armchair but the one that was delivered was dark green.· I'm afraid we don't have that book in stock, but we can order it for you.
also order out for American to ask a restaurant or a food shop to deliver food to you at home or work: · During the meeting we sent out for some coffee.· I don't feel like cooking tonight. Let's order out for a pizza.
formal to ask for advice, help, or money from someone who has the knowledge, right, or power to provide it: · The Carsons sought advice from their lawyer.· Take two tablets every four hours. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.· In his lawsuit, Wyman is seeking $12 million in damages from his former employers.
formal to politely ask someone to ask questions, or give their answers, opinions, or suggestions: · Applications for this position are invited from all individuals with relevant experience.invite somebody to do something: · At the end of the lecture, Dr. Bosch invited the audience to ask questions and share their ideas.
to look for something or someone that you need or want to try to find something or someone that you need: · Can you help me? I'm looking for a place to stay.· The company is looking for young, enthusiastic graduates to work in its sales department.· I spent months looking for a job, with no luck.
to look for something or someone that you need, especially when it is difficult and takes a long time: · I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space.· Drug companies are trying to find an alternative drug, which will not have such serious side-effects.
especially written if you go in search of something that you need, you go somewhere to try to find it: · Many young people move to the cities in search of a better future.
to spend time trying to find something or someone that you need: · I searched everywhere for a birthday present for Kim, but I found nothing I liked.· I was made redundant last year, and am still searching for a new job.· The school is currently searching for ways to save money.
to look in different places or directions, in order to find a suitable person or thing that you need: · He looked around for somewhere to hang the wet towel.· We're always looking around for new products to add to our list.· They're looking around for a decent apartment, not too far from the city.
formal to try to get or find something you need, for example advice, friendship, or a job: · Economics graduate, aged 25, with business experience, seeks interesting part-time work in the West London area.· If you are at all worried about your symptoms, you should seek medical advice.· The government is seeking support from teachers for its latest education reforms.
informal to be eagerly and continuously looking for something or someone that might be useful to you: · My mother's always on the lookout for a good bargain.· The club is always on the lookout for new young players.· The design department is constantly on the lookout for original ideas.
: job/house/bargain etc hunting when you are trying to find or get a job, house etc: · We rented a car and went house-hunting as soon as we arrived.· Job hunting takes a lot of effort and can be a long, depressing process.
to do everything that you can to find something such as the answer to a problem - used especially in literature: · If a solution can be found, Mr Danby, I shall leave no stone unturned until I have found it.· Union leaders have promised to leave no stone unturned in their search for a way to keep the factory open.
to try to do something · Sorry I didn't phone you. I did try, but your line was busy.· I tried all the keys, but none of them would open the door.try to do something · I tried to get another job but I had no luck.· Try to relax and empty your mind.· He tried to walk past me down the stairs, but I stopped him.try hard (=try using a lot of effort) · I was trying hard to concentrate, but my mind kept wandering.try doing something · You could try parking by the library - there's usually room in the car park there.try and do something · I'll tell some jokes to try and cheer him up.
to try to do something, especially something that is difficult, dangerous, or new: · No one has attempted this experiment before.· A rescue was attempted by Coast Guards, but it was not successful.attempt to do something: · Any prisoner who attempts to escape will be shot.· Someone had attempted to open the car door.· They are attempting to become the first to climb Everest without oxygen tanks.
also have a go especially British spoken to try to do something, especially when you think you may not succeed: · I can't get the lid off this jar. Do you want to have a try?· Have a go - you might be able to get the answer.have a try/go at doing something: · We had a go at trying to coax the cat indoors using scraps of food.
spoken to try to do something - use this either to offer to do something for someone, or to ask someone to do something for you: · If you want to come to the show, I'll see if I can get you a ticket.· See if you can get him to change his mind.
to try on one occasion to do something, especially something difficult, dangerous, or new: make an attempt to do something: · I made an attempt to apologize, but Brian wouldn't even talk to me.· Several attempts were made to negotiate with the gunmen.make no attempt to do something: · The protesters made no attempt to resist arrest.
British /endeavor to do something American formal to try to do something: · We always endeavour to provide our customers with the highest standards of service.· I remained for some time endeavouring to engage Mr Campbell in conversation.
formal to try to achieve something, especially something that may take a long time but which you think is important: · The Smiths are now seeking to take their case to the European Court.· For over two decades the USA sought to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.· Our economic policies seek to increase productivity, expand markets and create jobs.
to try to do something that is difficult: · There are too many families struggling to survive on low incomes.· I found my father struggling to lift one end of an enormous chest of drawers.· She struggled to express her feelings.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1 & 2nouns He gave an assurance that the work would be completed by Wednesday. He has been granted asylum in France. I asked for clarification on the legal position. The real joy of the priesthood is helping people find personal fulfilment. The family is seeking an injunction against the book’s publication. Refugees were seeking political asylum in Britain. Barnes is seeking re-election. During the frequent air-raids, people took refuge in their cellars. Fleeing refugees found sanctuary in Geneva. After the death of her son, Val found solace in the church. a much sought-after defense lawyerCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· He sought help from the police.
· If in any doubt, seek the advice of a senior officer.
· He said he would seek shareholder support for the proposal.
· They are seeking permission to build 200 new houses.
(=try to find somewhere safe)· They sought refuge inside the castle.
(=try to be elected or re-elected)· He hasn’t decided whether to seek re-election.
(=ask for money because of something bad you have suffered)· The other two may seek compensation for wrongful imprisonment.
· Dafoe plays a computer mastermind who seeks revenge on his former employer.
adverbs· The university is actively seeking new funds.
· They ran in all directions, desperately seeking escape.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=try to get some advice)· If you have any of these symptoms you should seek urgent advice.
· People are seeking alternatives to meat-based dishes.
· You will need to make an appointment with the bank to seek approval for the loan.
· He constantly sought his father’s approval.
· If side-effects are severe, seek medical assistance.
He gave an assurance that the work would be completed by Wednesday. He has been granted asylum in France. I asked for clarification on the legal position. (=look for comfort)· People come to us seeking comfort and guidance.
(=try to get it)· Survivors of the rail disaster are seeking compensation.
· Both Democrats and Republicans are seeking a compromise on the issue.
· $3 billion a year is spent searching for a cure for cancer.
formal (=try to get custody)· Allen is seeking custody of his two children.
(=place that people want to visit)· the Himalayas, one of the world's most sought-after destinations
(=ask an expert for information or advice)· Don’t make big financial decisions without first seeking advice from an expert.
(=try to become famous)· He sought fame in the jazz clubs of New York.
The real joy of the priesthood is helping people find personal fulfilment. (=ask for help)· He decided to seek medical help for his drink problem.
The family is seeking an injunction against the book’s publication. (=ask for a vote to show agreement with a leader or with ideas)· The government was seeking a mandate to continue the war.
(=try to win it)· He is seeking the Republican nomination in the Senate race.
formal (=ask someone for permission)· People wanting to visit the island have to seek permission from the authorities.
Refugees were seeking political asylum in Britain.· They were forced to seek the protection of the army.
· He sought neither reward nor publicity for his work.
Barnes is seeking re-election. During the frequent air-raids, people took refuge in their cellars.· They play two women who seek revenge on their former partners.
Fleeing refugees found sanctuary in Geneva. formal (=try to find shelter)· They sought shelter under the trees.
After the death of her son, Val found solace in the church.· The company is still seeking a solution to its financial problems.
a much sought-after defense lawyer· Dole also sought out reporters on his campaign plane to talk about other issues.· It can also seek heavy fines on landlords who discriminate.· We also seek to evaluate the operation of a market economy.· The project's sponsor may also seek other sources of finance to limit his or her risk from the project.· The business community is also seeking reassurance that Labor is serious about tackling inflation.· It will also seek to establish any general principles connected with successful schemes of joint consultation.· The suit also seeks unspecified monetary damages.
· Our personal aspirations or dissatisfactions may lead us to seek out new opportunities.· Having nothing more urgent to do, I decided to seek out Tip Anderson.· His hands whispered over her, light as silk, seeking out every pale hollow and rounded slope.· Like these scientists, Smith sought out cause-and-effect relationships.· He did not start off as a rebel seeking out Peripatetics to confound.· Our people need to seek out and identify those stories.· Skippers bistro Off-beat but well worth seeking out.· It is an environment where corporations will seek out the best talent anyplace in the world.
NOUN· It was another world, and he knew he would now have to seek advice from an expert.· The parents sought the advice of others, including three psychologists, learning disability specialists, and other parents.· However, Mr Nawroze does warn young debtors to seek professional advice.· After seeking advice from Norman, his playing partner, Garcia took a drop, moving away from the sign.· Consumers are urged not to make any hasty decisions and to seek professional advice.· They had sought my advice, and I had recommended this machine.· If you are concerned, seek medical advice.· He claimed he should have sought legal advice before wrongfully using tax-exempt foundations to finance a televised college course.
· In the years that followed it expanded operations without seeking local approval, earning little goodwill in Guadalcazar.· Attorneys have told the districts they must seek voter approval of existing fees imposed in the past without a public vote.· Guardians will have to seek approval from the panel before instructing a solicitor in this situation.· It started with skin, which it sells for burn victims and for which it is seeking approval for diabetic ulcer sufferers.· I am aware of journals that alter text substantially yet never seek the authors' approval.· Thompson is seeking Senate approval for a $ 6. 5 million budget to conduct wide-ranging hearings later this year.· But it said it was confident of surviving and would seek shareholders' approval at a meeting on 29 April.· Holding elections to seek voter approval of existing taxes and fees is another expense.
· In many cases it will be best to seek professional assistance from outside the firm.· She can walk into a family planning clinic and seek assistance.· They may be petitioned by men to help with hunting animals, or by women seeking assistance with childbirth or illness.· It is often difficult for parents to seek psychological assistance.· Stop therapy if side-effects are severe and seek medical assistance Give prescribed anti-emetics.· A first step to improvement for work-inhibited children occurs when they begin to seek assistance.· We have sought to concentrate assistance with prescription charges on those whose incomes are such that the charges cause a problem.· The managers observed that their subordinates sought their assistance about a variety of problems.
· Listing particulars A company which is seeking a listing on the London Stock Exchange is obliged to prepare and publish listing particulars.· Having determined its legal obligations based on the facts of this specific disease, the company actively sought employee cooperation.· His concern for the Company led him to seek seats in Parliament, which he held from 1762 to 1774.· As part of the process, the company must seek an advisory opinion from the California Attorney General.· Electricity, gas and water companies have sought many years for a way to read meters without visiting the customer's premises.· Each company seeks unspecified damages and injunctions that would stop the other from using its patents.· Where the company is seeking general authority to purchase shares in the market they must state their intentions regarding the authority granted.· In fact, many progressive companies actively seek such employee inputs.
· A succession of scandals finally persuaded his father that William must seek his fortune overseas.· When he reached the age of reason, I confidently sent him forth to seek his fortune.· Full also on the outgoing journeys with emigrants about to seek their fortune in London.· All come to New Bedford to seek fortune and adventure in the fishery.· The firm now believes it has virtually outgrown its market and is seeking to supplement its fortunes overseas.· A fatherless, penniless boy - possessed of great determination, faith, and courage - seeks his fortune.· But trade was slack so he made his way to London to seek his fortune.· Indeed, seeking fortune becomes a search for a wealthy bride or patron.
· And the main reason was that reactionary and factious opposition led the Government to seek and obtain an immediate dissolution of Parliament.· The ambitious young company laid off workers, scaled back projects and went to government regulators seeking financial relief.· Newly formed governments seek deliberately to reverse their predecessors' communications policies.· Occasionally people say to me that the Government are seeking to turn health care into a business.· Lalonde said that the government would seek alternative solutions to the energy demands of farmers and industrialists.· Both governments agreed to seek financial support for the construction of the necessary road and transport links.· In contrast, no government has sought to remain in office after losing a parliamentary vote of confidence.
· A patient seeks help and is therefore vulnerable.· He had no one to confide in and would have seen seeking psychiatric help himself as a sign of weakness.· It was a combination that destroyed his ability to cope with life, and he sought psychiatric help in 1950.· It takes courage for parents to permit themselves to be vulnerable and seek psychological help.· In the face of an epidemic which was sweeping away our friends and lovers, we sought help where we could.· He told the court that he had not used drugs since his arrest and had voluntarily sought help and advice.· Granato began experiencing headaches so severe, he sought medical help.
· To form a judgement he seeks further information.· Many young people seek information from libraries that they are embarrassed or are afraid to ask an adult.· A consumer is not the only person to whom information relates, but the consumer seeks more than personal information.· Council members actively began to seek information about the mechanics of housing rehabilitation programs in other cities.· Are you wanting commitment or merely agreement to seek further information?· Voters seeking nonpartisan information on the issues and candidates' stands can access thousands of Web sites.· A cottage industry has even sprung up among companies that provide information about other people seeking information.
· Where a government body seeks an injunction against a private individual or corporation, the position may be different.· The protesters have also filed a federal lawsuit seeking damages and an injunction against certain uses of pepper spray.· Compaq is seeking an injunction to force Dell to tone down the ads.· The civil liberties group is seeking a preliminary injunction barring Republican Gov.· It also seeks injunctions aimed at preventing such use.· Agency staffers want the Commission to seek a Federal court injunction barring Microsoft from what they consider abusive practices.· Keating wondered if the Justice Department could seek an injunction against those harassing the marchers.
· I shall seek to remain in order by referring to what is in the Bill.· Carter said he sought help in order to save his marriage.· They seek an order that Hambros Jersey restore the money to the company.· Their intent is to seek a court order to stop the tax collection.· If certiorari only declares what is the case anyway, why would a person bother to seek such an order?· Instead, McGee said he would seek a temporary restraining order from a judge to halt the appointment.· It is usually sought in addition to an order of certiorari and is designed to ensure the performance of a public duty.· The prosecutor does not, however, seek an order that the case be remitted to the magistrate to continue the hearing.
· The burden of proving that a clause satisfies the reasonableness test is on the party who seeks to rely on the clause.· One party may seek to reject a point in the sale agreement because it was not covered in the heads of terms.· Moreover, the Labour Party does not seek a mandate for its policies from the Northern Ireland electorate.· The Communist Party is seeking to develop radical socialist politics in Britain.· The Independent, launched in October 1986 with venture capital, seeks to be independent of political party dogma.· A local Labour party will seek a candidate by inviting nominations.· The Lib Dems are far weaker politically than the party he seeks to replace.
· The only alternative was to seek the support of the National Socialists.· Schmidt said Bertelsmann was continuing to seek the support of other music companies in remaking Napster.· The Profitboss is wary of finance people, seeking their support but running miles to avoid their control.· And, as noted earlier, the finance and senior executives at TeleCable already have the skills needed to seek equity-based support.· Then, seek the support of other students who are similarly distracted.· Adolescents, as is appropriate, sought each other out in public places and sought support from each other.· They are seeking new supports that are at one and the same time local and yet related to their universal goals.· They had many ties in the larger organization, friends and past coworkers from whom they could seek support and companionship.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- Abdominal complaints Abdomen: When to seek advice Urgently, Right now!
- Almost three years since she sought help for the severe seizures, Harlan had her surgery.
- It will normally be necessary to seek expert advice on the realisable values of all the major assets.
- She can walk into a family planning clinic and seek assistance.
- The more Marcus thought about it, the more he realized that he would have to seek help from Fanshawe.
- They had sought my advice, and I had recommended this machine.
- Coles came to the Yukon in the 1970s to seek his fortune.
- A fatherless, penniless boy - possessed of great determination, faith, and courage - seeks his fortune.
- A succession of scandals finally persuaded his father that William must seek his fortune overseas.
- But trade was slack so he made his way to London to seek his fortune.
- Full also on the outgoing journeys with emigrants about to seek their fortune in London.
- The lesser ones probably opted to seek their fortune in the clothing trade.
- When he reached the age of reason, I confidently sent him forth to seek his fortune.
WORD FAMILYnounseekerverbseek
1formal to try to achieve or get something: Do you think the president will seek re-election?seek refuge/asylum/shelter etc Thousands of people crossed the border, seeking refuge from the war.seek revenge/damages/compensation etc He sought revenge against Surkov for separating him from his wife and son.seek to do something Local schools are seeking to reduce the dropout rate.attention-seeking/publicity-seeking2seek (somebody’s) advice/help/assistance etc formal to ask someone for advice or help: If the symptoms persist, seek medical advice.3 written to look for someone or something SYN look for: new graduates seeking employment Attractive woman, 27, seeks male, 25-35, for fun and friendship.► see thesaurus at searchRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that they are looking for someone or something rather than seeking someone or something:· What kind of job are you looking for?4seek your fortune literary to go to another place hoping to gain success and wealth: Coles came to the Yukon in the 1970s to seek his fortune.5to move naturally towards something or into a particular position: Water seeks its own level. → heat-seeking, hide-and-seek, self-seeking, sought-afterCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2nounsseek help· He sought help from the police.seek advice/information· If in any doubt, seek the advice of a senior officer.seek support/approval· He said he would seek shareholder support for the proposal.seek permission· They are seeking permission to build 200 new houses.seek refuge/asylum/shelter (=try to find somewhere safe)· They sought refuge inside the castle.seek election/re-election (=try to be elected or re-elected)· He hasn’t decided whether to seek re-election.seek compensation/damages (=ask for money because of something bad you have suffered)· The other two may seek compensation for wrongful imprisonment.seek revenge· Dafoe plays a computer mastermind who seeks revenge on his former employer.adverbsactively· The university is actively seeking new funds.desperately· They ran in all directions, desperately seeking escape.seek somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb to try to find someone or something, especially when this is difficult: Our mission is to seek out the enemy and destroy them.