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

Instead of primarily broadcasting their own views, global health institutions can nurture communications networks that solicit local input and create opportunities for mutual learning.

From Salon

She became obsessed with the platform’s live battle feature - which sees two influencers verbally spar and sometimes mock each other as they solicit money from their followers to win the bout.

From BBC

“This approach also would allow for the time and opportunity to solicit input from youth, the LAUSD, and other stakeholders in developing effective methods to involve youth in the Commission’s work,” according to a report from the L.A. city attorney.

From Los Angeles Times

In a Manhattan press conference, Williams told reporters that Adams had “abused his position as this city’s highest elected official, and before that as Brooklyn borough president, to take bribes and solicit illegal campaign contributions.”

From Salon

He is accused of trafficking his followers to the US to solicit donations for bogus charities.

From BBC

Related Words

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