The phrasal verb "chase down" is written as /tʃeɪs daʊn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the voiceless postalveolar affricate /tʃ/, which sounds like a "ch" sound. The second syllable has the diphthong /eɪ/, which is pronounced like "ay". The third syllable begins with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ and has the diphthong /aʊ/, which is pronounced like "ow". So, when you want to pursue someone or something relentlessly until you catch it, make sure to spell it correctly as "chase down".
The phrase "chase down" refers to the act of pursuing or following someone or something in order to catch, confront, or locate them. It involves exerting effort and actively going after a target. This term is often used metaphorically, but it can also describe actual physical pursuit.
In a literal sense, "chase down" typically implies a fast-paced pursuit, such as running after a person or animal. It can involve a chase on foot, in a vehicle, or with the assistance of animals. This action is often driven by a desire to catch or apprehend the target, often to bring them to justice or for safety reasons.
Metaphorically, "chase down" is used to describe the process of actively seeking or investigating something or someone. It implies a determination to find the information or individual in question, often involving exhaustive research, inquiry, or tracking. For example, a journalist might say they are "chasing down leads" to uncover the truth about a story.
In summary, "chase down" encompasses both physical pursuit and metaphorical seeking. Whether it involves chasing after a fleeing person or actively seeking information or answers, this term embodies the notion of active effort and determination in pursuit of a target.
The etymology of the phrase "chase down" can be explained by looking at the origins of each word separately.
1. "Chase": The word "chase" can be traced back to the Old French word "chacier", which means "to hunt" or "to capture". This word came from the Vulgar Latin word "captiare", meaning "to capture" or "to seize". The Latin word "captare" is derived from "capere", which means "to take". Over time, "chase" evolved to describe the act of pursuing something or someone in order to catch or capture them.
2. "Down": In this context, the word "down" is an adverb used to indicate the direction of movement. It comes from the Old English word "dūne", which means "from a higher to a lower place".