beseech

be·seech

verb \bi-ˈsēch, bē-\

be·seeched or be·sought\-ˈsȯt\be·seech·ing

Definition of BESEECH

transitive verb

1

: to beg for urgently or anxiously

2

: to request earnestly : implore

intransitive verb

: to make supplication

— be·seech·ing·ly \-ˈsē-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of BESEECH

1. <parishioners ardently beseeched the local bishop not to close their beloved church>

Origin of BESEECH

Middle English besechen, from be- + sechen to seek

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to BESEECH

Synonyms: appeal (to), beg, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, importune, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, supplicate

Related Words: bludge [chiefly Australian & New Zealand], cadge, mooch, sponge; ask, desire, invoke, request, sue; claim, coerce, command, compel, demand, force, insist, require

Near Antonyms: hint, imply, intimate, suggest; appease, conciliate, gratify, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, please, satisfy; comfort, console, content, quiet

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See Synonym Discussion at beg

Rhymes with BESEECH

forereach, free beach, free speech, impeach, Long Beach, outreach, unteach