solicit

[ suh-lis-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.:

   He solicited aid from the minister.

2. to entreat or petition (someone or some agency):

   to solicit the committee for funds.

   Synonyms: beg, beseech

3. to seek to influence or incite to action, especially unlawful or wrong action.

   Synonyms: provoke, arouse, excite

4. to offer to have sex with in exchange for money.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a petition or request, as for something desired.
2. to solicit orders or trade, as for a business:

   No soliciting allowed in this building.

3. to offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money.

solicit

/ səˈlɪsɪt /

verb

1. whenintr, foll by for to make a request, application, or entreaty to (a person for business, support, etc)
2. to accost (a person) with an offer of sexual relations in return for money
3. to provoke or incite (a person) to do something wrong or illegal

Derived Forms

• soˌliciˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• pre·so·lic·it verb (used with object)
• re·so·lic·it verb
• su·per·so·lic·it verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English soliciten, from Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitāre “to excite, agitate,” derivative of sollicitus “troubled” ( soll(us) “whole” + -i- -i- + citus, past participle of ciēre “to arouse”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicit¹

C15: from Old French solliciter to disturb, from Latin sollicitāre to harass, from sollicitus agitated, from sollus whole + citus, from ciēre to excite

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for Bondi later confirmed she had solicited Trump's donation.

From Salon

A top aide to President-elect Donald Trump has been accused of soliciting bribes from potential Cabinet picks and others seeking senior posts in the next administration, The Washington Post reported Monday evening.

From Salon

“Reputational benefit was merely one of defendant’s motives in soliciting and demanding benefits for his son,” prosecutors wrote, calling it “classic” corruption.

From Los Angeles Times

A World War I-era law, the Espionage Act, makes it a crime to solicit or disclose national security secrets without authorization.

From New York Times

Adams was indicted in September on five counts of criminal offences, including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.

From BBC

Related Words

• ask
• canvass
• drum up
• promote
• require
• seek