hound down
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
Chase someone without giving up until you catch them.
Literal meaning: To use hounds (hunting dogs) to chase something down — a transparent hunting metaphor.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To relentlessly pursue and catch a person or animal.
"The detectives hounded him down across three countries before finally making the arrest."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To harass or pressure someone persistently until they comply or give up.
"The tabloids hounded her down wherever she went, giving her no peace."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Emphasizes the relentless, tireless nature of the pursuit, like a hunting hound that never gives up the scent. Used in contexts of law enforcement, journalism, and personal vendettas. Less common than 'hunt down'.
Commonly used with
criminal suspect fugitive target debtor prey
Forms
Base
hound down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hounds down
he/she/it
Past simple
hounded down
yesterday
Past participle
hounded down
have + pp
-ing form
hounding down
continuous
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Synonyms
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