1 C1 formal
To pursue or give chase to someone moving away, especially with urgency.
"The moment the thief bolted, the officer made after him through the crowded market."
inseparable
make after
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To chase or pursue someone or something; to move quickly in the direction of someone who is leaving or escaping.
In plain English
To run or go quickly after someone who is moving away, trying to catch them.
What does "make after" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Make' in an older sense means to move or go; 'after' indicates following behind. The meaning is transparent but the structure is archaic.
Actually means
To run or go quickly after someone who is moving away, trying to catch them.
Usage tip
Archaic or literary in modern English; rarely used in contemporary everyday speech. More common in older literature and formal writing. In modern speech, 'go after,' 'chase,' or 'run after' are strongly preferred. May appear in historical novels or formal descriptions of pursuit.
Words that pair with "make after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
thief suspect figure vehicle immediately
How to conjugate "make after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
make after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes after
he/she/it
Past simple
made after
yesterday
Past participle
made after
have + pp
-ing form
making after
continuous
Hear "make after" in the wild
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Other ways to say "make after"
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