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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

get after en · VERB

Meanings

  1. To move into action in pursuit of something.
    • If you want to win, you've got to get after it.
    • He's wasting time at university not getting after his degree.
  2. To move into action in attempt to catch or defeat another.
    • Do you think the girl's going to ask you out? Get after her!
    • These murders are an indication of a swing to the right in this country, and also of the economic situation. Americans get after minorities during economic hard times: Blacks, Jews, Catholics. It's our turn because we've been the most vocal lately. 1980 August 16, Fran Koski, “Fourth Gay Man Murdered Here”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 5, page 6:
    • The defensive line needs to get after the quarterback.
  3. To attempt to convince another to move into action.
    • Parents get after their children to do homework for the best.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
got after Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part UK lexicographic
got after Tense=Past lexicographic
gotten after Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part US lexicographic
getting after Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
gets after Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Relateds

go after