1 C1 neutral
To send a person or animal to pursue or chase someone who is running away.
"The sheriff set his best tracker after the escaped prisoner."
inseparable
set after
C1 neutral inseparable transitive
To send someone or an animal in pursuit of someone who is fleeing.
In plain English
To make someone or an animal chase after another person.
What does "set after" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To position someone to follow behind — the 'after' clarifies the direction of pursuit.
Actually means
To make someone or an animal chase after another person.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and often literary or narrative in tone. Typically involves a third party being dispatched to pursue someone.
Words that pair with "set after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dogs guards soldiers police bounty hunters
How to conjugate "set after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets after
he/she/it
Past simple
set after
yesterday
Past participle
set after
have + pp
-ing form
setting after
continuous
Hear "set after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set after"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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