hound
As a noun, a hound is a type of dog breed used for hunting by scent or sight. As a verb, it means to persistently harass, pester, or pursue someone in an annoying or aggressive way.
Whether referring to a dog or an action, 'hound' centers on the concept of a persistent, focused chase.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A breed of dog used for hunting and tracking.
- To pester or harass someone relentlessly and annoyingly.
- Commonly used to describe aggressive media or debt collection.
Summary
Whether referring to a dog or an action, 'hound' centers on the concept of a persistent, focused chase.
- A breed of dog used for hunting and tracking.
- To pester or harass someone relentlessly and annoyingly.
- Commonly used to describe aggressive media or debt collection.
Use it for persistent social pressure
If someone keeps asking you the same question every day, you can say they are 'hounding' you for an answer.
Don't confuse with 'hunt'
To 'hunt' is the act of searching for something; to 'hound' is the act of chasing or pestering someone specifically.
Literary Hounds
The word is famous in English literature, most notably in Sherlock Holmes' 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' symbolizing a terrifying pursuer.
Examples
4 of 4The fox escaped before the hounds could catch the scent.
Creditors will hound you until the debt is settled.
My mom is hounding me to clean my room.
The investigative journalist hounded the corporation for internal documents.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'hound dog' like Elvis sang—always sniffing around and following a trail. If someone 'hounds' you, they are acting like a dog on a scent trail that won't give up.
Overview
'Hound' is a versatile English word with roots in hunting traditions. While its primary noun form refers to specific breeds of dogs known for their tracking abilities, its metaphorical verb form is widely used in modern English to describe relentless pursuit. 2) Usage Patterns: As a noun, it is often specific (e.g., 'a pack of hounds'). As a verb, it is typically followed by an object and often a prepositional phrase, such as 'hounding someone for money' or 'hounding someone about a deadline.' 3) Common Contexts: You will frequently see the verb form in news headlines regarding the paparazzi or debt collectors. In literature, it is used to describe a character being pursued by their past or by a literal predator. 4) Similar Words Comparison: While 'pursue' is a neutral term for following someone, 'hound' carries a negative connotation of being bothersome or relentless. It differs from 'harass' in that 'hound' implies a chase or a constant following, whereas 'harass' can include a wider range of offensive behaviors.
Usage Notes
The verb 'hound' is often used in the passive voice (e.g., 'He was hounded by the media'). It is appropriate for both casual conversation and journalistic writing, but might be too informal for a strictly scientific report unless referring to the animal.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'hound' to mean 'to search' generally. It must involve a target that is being pursued or bothered. Another mistake is using it for any dog; it specifically implies a hunting breed.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'hound dog' like Elvis sang—always sniffing around and following a trail. If someone 'hounds' you, they are acting like a dog on a scent trail that won't give up.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'hund,' which originally meant any dog. Over time, the noun became specific to hunting breeds, and the verb developed from the way these dogs pursue prey.
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'hound' is associated with traditional fox hunting in the UK. In modern pop culture, it is frequently associated with 'paparazzi' culture.
Examples
The fox escaped before the hounds could catch the scent.
everydayCreditors will hound you until the debt is settled.
formalMy mom is hounding me to clean my room.
informalThe investigative journalist hounded the corporation for internal documents.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
hound dog
release the hounds
Often Confused With
To hunt is to search for or kill for food; to hound is to specifically pester or chase a target.
To haunt is what a ghost does to a house; to hound is what a person or dog does to a target.
Grammar Patterns
Use it for persistent social pressure
If someone keeps asking you the same question every day, you can say they are 'hounding' you for an answer.
Don't confuse with 'hunt'
To 'hunt' is the act of searching for something; to 'hound' is the act of chasing or pestering someone specifically.
Literary Hounds
The word is famous in English literature, most notably in Sherlock Holmes' 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' symbolizing a terrifying pursuer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'hound'.
The debt collectors continued to ___ him until he paid the bill.
The infinitive 'to hound' is required after 'continued to'.
Which of the following is the best synonym for the verb 'hound'?
The paparazzi began to hound the actress.
'Pester' matches the meaning of bothering someone persistently.
Put the words in the correct order.
me / stop / about / hounding / homework / my
The standard structure is 'Stop' + verb-ing + object + prepositional phrase.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot exactly. While all hounds are dogs, not all dogs are hounds; the term refers specifically to hunting breeds like Beagles or Bloodhounds.
Yes, it almost always implies that the pursuit is unwanted, annoying, or stressful for the person being hounded.
It is a specific type of hound that tracks prey primarily by smell rather than by sight.
Technically yes, but the word still suggests the method is irritating, such as hounding a friend to come to a fun party.
