Verb

verfolgen

Translation

to pursue, to follow, to track, to persecute

Die Polizei verfolgt den Dieb.

The police are pursuing the thief.

Ich verfolge meine Ziele konsequent.

I consistently pursue my goals.

Sie verfolgt die Nachrichten im Fernsehen.

She follows the news on television.

((sb./sth.)) to pursue/follow ((sb./sth.)) The police are pursuing the thief.

((sth.)) to pursue ((a goal, plan, etc.)) She pursues her career goals.

Synonyms: to chase, to track, to hound; Antonyms: to flee, to escape

Comes from the prefix `ver-` (often for intensity) plus `folgen` (to follow). The literal sense is 'to follow through' or 'to follow intensely'.

Imagine the `ver-` prefix makes the verb `folgen` (to follow) more serious. You don't just 'follow' a criminal, you 'pursue' (`verfolgen`) them.