petition

[ puh-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit:

   a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law.

   Synonyms: suit

2. a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer:

   a petition for aid; a petition to God for courage and strength.

   Synonyms: appeal, solicitation, entreaty

3. something that is sought by request or entreaty:

   to receive one's full petition.

4. Law. an application for a court order or for some judicial action.

verb (used with object)

1. to beg for or request (something).
2. to address a formal petition to (a sovereign, a legislative body, etc.):

   He received everything for which he had petitioned the king.

3. to ask by petition for (something).

verb (used without object)

1. to present a petition.
2. to address or present a formal petition.

   Synonyms: sue, solicit

3. to request or solicit, as by a petition:

   to petition for redress of grievances.

petition

/ pɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. a written document signed by a large number of people demanding some form of action from a government or other authority
2. any formal request to a higher authority or deity; entreaty
3. law a formal application in writing made to a court asking for some specific judicial action

   a petition for divorce

4. the action of petitioning

verb

1. tr to address or present a petition to (a person in authority, government, etc)

   to petition Parliament

2. intrfoll byfor to seek by petition

   to petition for a change in the law

Derived Forms

• peˈtitionary, adjective

Other Words From

• pe·tition·a·ble adjective
• pe·tition·er pe·tition·ist noun
• counter·pe·tition noun verb
• prepe·tition noun verb (used with object)
• re-pe·tition verb (used with object)
• unpe·titioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petition¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English peticioun, from Middle French peticion, from Latin petītiōn-, stem of petītiō “an attack, request,” from petīt(us) “assaulted, sought” (past participle of petere “to assault, head for, seek”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of petition¹

C14: from Latin petītiō, from petere to seek

Synonym Study

See appeal.

Example Sentences

The brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents almost 30 years ago, will attend a Monday morning hearing at the Van Nuys Courthouse West for a petition filed by their attorneys that seeks to downgrade their conviction from first-degree murder to a lesser charge, such as manslaughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Monday’s hearing will focus on a petition that could pave the way for the brothers’ release.

From Los Angeles Times

The habeas corpus petition filed last year by the brothers’ attorneys argues that new evidence bolsters the defense’s allegations that the brothers were victims of sexual abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

Separate from the habeas corpus petition, L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Her allegations prompted fans to file a petition about workplace bullying to the government.

From BBC

Related Words

• ask
• beg
• beseech
• call upon
• implore
• pray
• seek
• sue
• urge