Definition

A large and organized search to find a person, often someone who has committed a crime and is trying to escape.

Example

The police launched a manhunt after the suspect escaped from custody.

Conversation

Did you hear about the big manhunt in the city last night?

Yeah, I caught some news about it; it sounded intense!

I wonder what they were looking for exactly.

I think it was for a fugitive who escaped from prison.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Manhunt → It is formed from "man" (from Old English "mann", meaning human being or person) and "hunt" (from Old English "huntian", meaning to chase or pursue). The word "manhunt" refers to the act of pursuing a person, typically a criminal, in an organized search.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'human being' ('man') being 'chased' ('hunt') — that's why a manhunt means searching for a person.

Visually Confused Words