beseech

[ bih-seech ]

verb (used with object)

, be·sought or be·seeched, be·seech·ing.

1. to implore urgently:

   They besought him to go at once.

   Synonyms: adjure, supplicate, petition, pray, entreat

2. to beg eagerly for; solicit.

   Synonyms: importune

verb (used without object)

, be·sought or be·seeched, be·seech·ing.

1. to make urgent appeal:

   Earnestly did I beseech, but to no avail.

beseech

/ bɪˈsiːtʃ /

verb

1. tr to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something or for something); beg

Derived Forms

• beˈseechingly, adverb
• beˈseecher, noun
• beˈseeching, adjective

Other Words From

• be·seecher noun
• be·seeching·ly adverb
• be·seeching·ness noun
• unbe·seeching adjective
• unbe·seeching·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of beseech¹

before 1100; Middle English bisechen, Old English besēcan. See be-, seek

Word History and Origins

Origin of beseech¹

C12: see be- , seek ; related to Old Frisian besēka

Example Sentences

The activists, from the Sunrise Movement, were there Sept. 23 to beseech Harris to stop promoting the extraction of fossil fuels.

From Los Angeles Times

Its inscription "I beseech thee, holy sun of righteousness, be the way" has not been found on any other object, according to historian Helen Geake.

From BBC

“I beseech you to control him if you can. If you can’t, I will. I will excuse him and draw every negative inference that I can,” said Engoron.

From Slate

“I beseech you to control him, if you can.”

From Slate

“I beseech you to control him if you can. If you can’t, I will. I will excuse him and draw every negative inference that I can,” said Engoron.

From Slate

Related Words

• implore