An intensive and organized search by law enforcement or authorities to find and capture a person who is wanted or missing.
A compound word combining 'man' (Old English 'mann') and 'hunt' (from Old English 'huntian'). The term emerged in the 18th century to describe large-scale pursuit operations.
Modern manhunts use facial recognition software, cell phone tracking, and public tips through social media—what used to require hundreds of officers searching on foot can now be coordinated globally in minutes.
This term defaults to male subjects and male-gendered language despite applying to fugitive searches regardless of gender. The 'man-' prefix historically centered male criminality in law enforcement discourse.
Use 'fugitive search', 'suspect search', or 'person hunt' to remain gender-neutral while retaining clarity.
["fugitive search","suspect search","person hunt","criminal search"]
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