run after

Verb

run after (third-person singular simple present runs after, present participle running after, simple past ran after, past participle run after)

1. To follow quickly, often in an effort to catch or catch up with (someone or something).
   • That dog will get hurt if he continues to run after cars.
   • I saw him run after a gilded butterfly: and when he caught it, he let it go again;c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   pursue, chase

2. To make a determined effort to win someone's affections or to have a sexual relationship with them.
   • She runs after any man in uniform!
   • […] if a young man is wild, and must run after women and bad company, it is better this should be done abroad, as, on his return, he can break off such connections, and begin at home a new man […]1791, Samuel Johnson, quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, London: Charles Dilly, p. 265
3. To endeavour to find or obtain.
   • […] now, while I stick to my good friends here, I am very contented; but when I ever so little run after sights and fine things, I begin to hate my work, I grow sad, and have no heart to mend shoes any longer.1762, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World, London, Volume 1, Letter 62, p. 284
   • The letting the mind run after similes, though it may be useful for the explaining our thoughts to others, yet is by no means so for settling true notions of any thing in ourselves;1831, Abraham John Valpy, Locke’s Essay on the Human Understanding Condensed by a Clergyman, London: Whitaker, Treacher, and Arnot, “Conduct of the Understanding,” p. 409
4. (obsolete) To seek the company or assistance of; to frequent; to consult (someone).
   • And thus he is so poysoned w[i]t[h] bitternes and obstinacy that he begynneth to hate and to blaspheme God in heauen and seketh vnlaufull meanes to helpe and remedye hym self, lyke as Saul dyd, runnynge after wytches and sothsaiers,1550, Otto Werdmüller, chapter 28, in Miles Coverdale, transl., A Spyrytuall and Moost Precyouse Pearle, London: Gwalter Lynne
   • So, they were as mad, upon their running after Quacks, and Mountebanks, and every practising old Woman, for Medicines and Remedies […]1722, Daniel Defoe, A Journal of the Plague Year, page 36
5. (obsolete) To seek to participate in, devote oneself to (something).
   • They will not be ruled by God, nor bridled by his word. They wil follow their owne swinge. They will run after their owne lusts and pleasures.1607, Arthur Dent, The Plaine Mans Path-Way to Heauen, London: Edward Bishop, page 332
   • […] if they could pray better, and keep their hearts more from running after sin, then they could believe;1685, John Bunyan, The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded, London: Nath. Ponder, page 95
6. (archaic, passive voice) To be well-liked and much admired.
   • She is run after by many people.
   • There are many people in this world whose great ambition is to be "run after," and they will spend much time and money in endeavouring to effect this, the great object of their lives.1880, William Ridgway, Nauticus on His Hobby Horse, London, pages 48-49