chase

Chase is a verb meaning to pursue someone or something with the aim of catching or overtaking. The pursuit can be brief or prolonged. As a noun, a chase refers to the act of pursuing or the pursuit itself, as in a high-speed chase or a fox chase. The term appears in many contexts where pursuit or pursuit-like activity occurs.

Etymology and usage: The word originates in Middle English, from Old French chasser, meaning to hunt or pursue. It entered English with senses related to hunting and chasing.

Common meanings and domains: In law enforcement, a police chase describes the pursuit of a suspected offender, often governed by safety rules. In hunting, the chase denotes the actual pursuit by hounds or riders. In sports and games, the phrase appears in expressions such as chasing a lead or chasing a target. In finance, Chase is the brand name of JPMorgan Chase, a major U.S. bank formed in 2000 by the merger of Chase Manhattan Bank and J.P. Morgan & Co.; the Chase name persists in consumer banking products.

Names and culture: Chase is also a common English given name and surname. It is used in various media titles, including The Chase, a television game show with multiple international versions.

Overview: The word Chase thus covers a range of related ideas centered on pursuit, from everyday action to formal institutions and cultural references. Its usage spans everyday language, law enforcement, sports, finance, and media.