Definition of look for

The phrase "look for" originated from the Old English "lōcian for," meaning "to watch for, look out for." The verb "lōcian" (to look) is related to the Old High German "luogon," meaning "to see" or "to perceive." "For" was used to indicate direction or purpose, like in "seek for" or "search for." Over time, the "for" became more closely associated with the action of searching and less with literal direction. This resulted in the modern phrase "look for," emphasizing the active seeking of something.