importune

[ im-pawr-toon, -tyoon, im-pawr-chuhn ]

verb (used with object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

1. to press or beset with solicitations; demand with urgency or persistence.

   Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, implore, entreat, beseech

2. to make improper advances toward (a person).
3. to beg for (something) urgently or persistently.

   Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, implore, entreat, beseech

4. Obsolete. to annoy.
5. Obsolete. to press; impel.

verb (used without object)

, im·por·tuned, im·por·tun·ing.

1. to make urgent or persistent solicitations.

   Synonyms: plead

2. to make improper advances toward another person.

adjective

1. importunate.

importune

/ ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn /

verb

1. to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently
2. to beg for persistently; request with insistence
3. obsolete.
   1. to anger or annoy
   2. to force; impel

Derived Forms

• ˌimporˈtunity, noun
• imˈportuner, noun

Other Words From

• impor·tunely adverb
• impor·tuner noun
• unim·por·tuned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of importune¹

1350–1400; Middle English (adj.) < Latin importūnus unsuitable, troublesome, relentless; im- ², opportune

Word History and Origins

Origin of importune¹

C16: from Latin importūnus tiresome, from im- in- ¹+ -portūnus as in opportūnus opportune

Example Sentences

For example, one count against Mr. Trump said that he “unlawfully solicited, requested and importuned” the Georgia secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to violate his oath of office by decertifying the election.

From New York Times

In the Book of Samuel, Israelites importune its eponymous judge to “Give us a king to rule over us, like all the other nations.”

From Salon

“The needs are too great. And if we pass a strong package with strong bipartisan support, it will importune the House somehow or other to act, despite the morass they are in.”

From Washington Times

It had to be around here someplace, but Michael R. Jackson could not readily locate his Pulitzer Prize certificate when an importuning visitor asked for a look.

From New York Times

A famous letter written by Catherine Deneuve and other prominent Frenchwomen denounced #MeToo as “puritanism” and defended “the freedom to importune” as part of French “gallantry.”

From New York Times