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."
separable
hound down
B2 informal separable transitive
To pursue someone relentlessly and persistently until they are caught or cornered.
In plain English
Chase someone without giving up until you catch them.
What does "hound down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use hounds (hunting dogs) to chase something down — a transparent hunting metaphor.
Actually means
Chase someone without giving up until you catch them.
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "hound down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
criminal suspect fugitive target debtor prey
How to conjugate "hound down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hound down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hound down"
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