supplication

noun

sup·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌsəpləˈkāshən 

plural -s

1

: the act or process of supplicating : humble and earnest entreaty

pained by such tender, such flattering supplication

—Jane Austen

2

a(1)

archaic : a formal written petition

(2)

: supplicat

b

: a humble and earnest petition : entreaty, solicitation

the last supplication … I make of you is, that you will believe this of me

—Charles Dickens

c

: a humble prayer to a deity for mercy, aid, or special blessing

kneeling together on a spit of sand, with their arms raised in supplication

—R. L. Stevenson

3

obsolete : a public religious observance of thanksgiving or religious humiliation in ancient Rome : a day set apart for such an observance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin supplication-, supplicatio, from supplicatus (past participle of supplicare to supplicate) + -ion-, -io -ion

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for supplication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation