The spelling of "hunt down" can be broken down phonetically as hʌnt daʊn. The IPA symbols h and ʌ represent the same sounds we use in English words like "happy" and "fun", while the symbol t corresponds to the "t" sound in "cat". The d sound in "hunt" is similar, but voiced. Finally, the vowel digraph ou corresponds to the diphthong in "cow", and the n consonant corresponds to the sound in "night". Together, these sounds come together to form the common phrase "hunt down".
Hunt down, often considered a phrasal verb, refers to the act of actively pursuing or searching for someone or something with the intention of capturing, finding, or eliminating it. It is used to describe the determined and persistent efforts made to locate a target or achieve a particular objective.
In the context of hunting down someone, it typically implies a pursuit that involves tracking, investigating, or following them, usually with a purpose of bringing them to justice or holding them accountable for their actions. This term can be associated with law enforcement agencies or individuals actively seeking out criminals, fugitives, or suspects.
When used in the context of locating an object or item, such as hunting down a rare book or a hard-to-find item, it signifies putting in significant effort and readying oneself for a challenging search. It conveys a sense of determination, perseverance, and dedicating considerable time, resources, and energy to the task at hand.
The phrase "hunt down" can also be employed metaphorically to emphasize someone's relentless pursuit of their goals or ambitions. It suggests a single-minded focus on achieving a particular outcome, often in the face of obstacles or difficulties. In this context, it implies taking determined action and leaving no stone unturned in order to attain success.
Overall, "hunt down" conveys the idea of actively pursuing and searching, often with great determination, to find, capture, eliminate, or achieve a specific target or objective, whether it be a person, an object, or a goal.
The word "hunt" can be traced back to the Old English word "huntian", which means to chase or pursue wild animals for food or sport. It also has roots in Old English and Old High German words that relate to the act of pursuing or following.
The addition of the word "down" in "hunt down" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the determination to pursue and capture the target. This usage of "down" as an adverbial particle dates back to Old English and enters Middle English as a prefix intensifier to various verbs, including "hunt". The phrase "hunt down" specifically started being used in the 19th century, becoming a popular way to express the act of searching exhaustively and relentlessly for a target.