woo

[ woo ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek the favor, affection, or love of, especially with a view to marriage.

   Synonyms: chase, pursue, court

2. to seek to win:

   to woo fame.

   Synonyms: cultivate

3. to invite (consequences, whether good or bad) by one's own action; court:

   to woo one's own destruction.

4. to seek to persuade (a person, group, etc.), as to do something; solicit; importune.

   Synonyms: entreat, address, sue, petition

verb (used without object)

1. to seek the affection or love of someone, usually a woman; court:

   He was reminded of his youth when he went wooing.

2. to solicit favor or approval; entreat:

   Further attempts to woo proved useless.

woo

/ wuː /

verb

1. to seek the affection, favour, or love of (a woman) with a view to marriage
2. tr to seek after zealously or hopefully

   to woo fame

3. tr to bring upon oneself (good or evil results) by one's own action
4. tr to beg or importune (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈwooer, noun
• ˈwooing, noun

Other Words From

• wooer noun
• wooing·ly adverb
• un·wooed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English wowe, Old English wōgian; ultimate origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

Old English wōgian, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

see pitch woo .

Related Words

• cultivate
• pursue
• solicit