What is the meaning of sought?

verb

• Try to get or reach.
  • usage: "seek a position"; "seek an education"; "seek happiness"
  • synonyms: seek
• Try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of.
  • usage: "The police are searching for clues"; "They are searching for the missing man in the entire county"
  • synonyms: search, seek, look for
• Make an effort or attempt.
  • usage: "He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"
  • synonyms: try, seek, attempt, essay, assay
• Go to or towards.
  • usage: "a liquid seeks its own level"
  • synonyms: seek
• Inquire for.
  • usage: "seek directions from a local"
  • synonyms: seek

adjective

• That is looked for.
  • usage: "the long sought relatives"
• Being searched for.
  • usage: "the most sought-after item was the silver candelabrum"
  • synonyms: sought-after