counsel

²coun·sel

verb \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\

coun·seled or coun·selledcoun·sel·ing or coun·sel·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of COUNSEL

transitive verb

: advise <counseled them to avoid rash actions — George Orwell>

intransitive verb

: consult <counseled with her husband>

Examples of COUNSEL

1. He counsels people who are trying to quit drinking.
2. <concerned parents counseling about the problem of substance abuse in their community>
3. He balked at authority and, according to Mr. Green, tuned you out if you tried to counsel him. —David Grann, New Republic, 14 Feb. 2000
4. She had six children, whom she counseled and with great wisdom and patience. —Erma Bombeck, The Best of Bombeck, (1965) 1967
5. I had counselled Catherine to dine upstairs, but as soon as he perceived her vacant seat he sent me to call her. —Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, 1847

Origin of COUNSEL

(see ¹counsel)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COUNSEL

Synonyms: advise, confab, confabulate, consult, confer, parley, powwow, treat

Related Words: argue, bandy, bat (around), chew over, debate, deliberate, discuss, dispute, hash (over), kick around, moot, palaver, talk, talk over, ventilate; rehash; coach, guide, tutor; recommend, suggest; direct, refer (to)

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Rhymes with COUNSEL

council