verfolgen
Translation
to pursue, to follow, to track, to persecute
Examples
Die Polizei verfolgt den Dieb.
The police are pursuing the thief.
Er verfolgt seine Ziele konsequent.
He consistently pursues his goals.
Ich verfolge die Nachrichten im Fernsehen.
I follow the news on television.
Sie wurden wegen ihres Glaubens verfolgt.
They were persecuted for their faith.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to pursue/follow sb./sth. The police are pursuing the thief.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to chase, to track; Antonyms: to flee, to escape
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ver-' (intensifying) and 'folgen' (to follow). It literally means 'to follow intensely'.
Memory Tips
The prefix 'ver-' strengthens 'folgen' (to follow), extending its meaning from a physical chase to pursuing abstract concepts like goals or news.