plead

plead

verb \ˈplēd\

plead·ed \ˈplē-dəd\ or pled also plead \ˈpled\ plead·ing

Definition of PLEAD

intransitive verb

1

: to argue a case or cause in a court of law

2

a : to make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding; especially : to answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts

b : to conduct pleadings

3

: to make a plea of a specified nature <plead not guilty>

4

a : to argue for or against a claim

b : to entreat or appeal earnestly

transitive verb

1

: to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal

2

: to allege in or by way of a legal plea

3

: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excuse

— plead·able \ˈplē-də-bəl\ adjective

— plead·er noun

— plead·ing·ly \ˈplē-diŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of PLEAD

1. He begged and pleaded, but she would not change her mind.
2. She couldn't afford a lawyer to plead her case.
3. “How do you plead?” asked the judge.
4. “We plead guilty, Your Honor.”
5. He agreed to plead to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Origin of PLEAD

Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Anglo-French plaider, pleder, from plai plea

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PLEAD

Synonyms

assert, contend, maintain, argue, reason

Related Words

adduce, cite, mention; claim, insist; affirm, aver, avouch, avow; advance, give, offer, propose, submit; advise, counsel, recommend, suggest, urge; convince, persuade; advocate, champion, defend, enforce, espouse, support; explain, justify, rationalize; consider, debate, discuss; confute, counter, disprove, rebut, refute