importune

¹im·por·tune

adjective \ˌim-pər-ˈtün, -ˈtyün; im-ˈpȯr-ˌ, -chən\

Definition of IMPORTUNE

: importunate

— im·por·tune·ly adverb

Origin of IMPORTUNE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French importun, from Latin importunus, from in- + -portunus (as in opportunus fit) — more at opportune

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with IMPORTUNE

afternoon, apolune, barracoon, Brigadoon, call the tune, Cameroon, dessertspoon, greasy spoon, harvest moon, honeymoon, macaroon, octoroon, opportune, pantaloon, perilune, picaroon, picayune, rigadoon, saskatoon, Saskatoon, silver spoon, tablespoon

²importune

verb

importunedimportun·ing

Definition of IMPORTUNE

transitive verb

1

a : to press or urge with troublesome persistence

b archaic : to request or beg for urgently

2

: annoy, trouble

intransitive verb

: to beg, urge, or solicit persistently or troublesomely

— im·por·tun·er noun

Examples of IMPORTUNE

1. He stood on the street corner, importuning passersby for help.
2. He importuned them to help.

First Known Use of IMPORTUNE

1530

Related to IMPORTUNE

Synonyms

appeal (to), beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, beg, 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

See Synonym Discussion at beg