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