Phrasal verbs "hunker down" vs "hunt down"

Differences between hunker down and hunt down

Hunker down means to stay in one place and take shelter, often during a storm or difficult situation. Hunt down, on the other hand, means to search for someone or something until it is found.

Meanings and Definitions: hunker down vs hunt down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hunker down

• 1. Settle in a place as comfortably as possible to stay there.

  The troops HUNKERED DOWN in the building.

Hunt down

• 1. Search for someone to punish or kill them.

  The police HUNTED the killer DOWN.

Usage Examples: hunker down, hunt down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hunker down

Example

During the storm, the family hunkered down in the basement.

Example

She hunkers down in her room to study for the exam.

hunt down

Example

The police hunt down criminals to keep the city safe.

Example

She hunts down rare books for her collection.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hunker down

take cover

To seek shelter or protection from danger or harm.

Example

During the tornado warning, we decided to take cover in the basement until the storm passed.

batten down the hatches

To prepare for a difficult or challenging situation by securing or protecting oneself or one's belongings.

Example

With the hurricane approaching, we need to batten down the hatches and make sure everything is secure.

ride out the storm

To endure or survive a difficult or challenging situation.

Example

We just need to ride out the storm and wait for the power to come back on.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hunt down

track down

To locate or find someone or something by following clues or evidence.

Example

The detective was able to track down the suspect using surveillance footage and witness statements.

search high and low

To look everywhere possible for someone or something.

Example

We've been searching high and low for the missing keys, but we still haven't found them.

chase after

To pursue or follow someone or something in order to catch or capture it.

Example

The police officer had to chase after the thief on foot since his car wouldn't start.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hunt”

• hunt out
• hunt up

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• step down
• shake down
• hose down
• be down
• move down

Differences in hunker down vs hunt down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hunker down or hunt down?

In daily conversation, people use hunker down less often than hunt down. This is because hunt down is used more frequently in various contexts such as finding lost items, searching for information, or pursuing criminals. Hunker down is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase used during natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hunker down and hunt down

Hunker down and hunt down are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, hunt down can be used in more formal settings such as legal or investigative contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hunker down and hunt down

The tone of hunker down and hunt down can differ based on context. Hunker down often carries a sense of urgency or caution when related to taking shelter, while hunt down typically has a determined or aggressive tone, especially when referring to pursuing someone or something.

hunker down & hunt down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hunker down

Synonyms

• nestle
• settle in
• bunker down
• take shelter
• stay put
• dig in
• hole up
• get comfortable

Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• move
• abandon
• relocate
• evacuate

Hunt down

Synonyms

• pursue
• chase
• find
• capture
• apprehend
• catch
• track down
• search for

Antonyms

• release
• free
• ignore
• overlook
• let go
• abandon search