entreat

[ en-treet ]

verb (used with object)

1. to ask (a person) earnestly; beseech; implore; beg:

   to entreat the judge for mercy.

   Synonyms: solicit, sue, importune, pray

2. to ask earnestly for (something):

   He entreated help in his work.

verb (used without object)

1. to make an earnest request or petition.

entreat

/ ɪnˈtriːt /

verb

1. to ask (a person) earnestly; beg or plead with; implore
2. to make an earnest request or petition for (something)
3. an archaic word for treat

Derived Forms

• enˈtreatingly, adverb
• enˈtreatment, noun

Other Words From

• en·treating·ly adverb
• en·treatment noun
• nonen·treating adjective
• nonen·treating·ly adverb
• unen·treated adjective
• unen·treating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entreat¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English entreten, from Middle French entrait(i)er; en- ¹, treat

Word History and Origins

Origin of entreat¹

C15: from Old French entraiter, from en- ¹+ traiter to treat

Synonym Study

See appeal.

Example Sentences

That prompted the owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, another local landmark, to print T-shirts and bumper stickers entreating fellow residents to “Keep Santa Cruz Weird.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Some of them didn’t know their way here,” said Bah, adding that she entreated them to participate despite their mistrust.

From Washington Post

Corgan and company plan to release the album in three parts, and the first glimpse, “Beguiled,” entreats the listener to “return the faith” over a metallic palm-muted riff reminiscent of the band’s old days.

From Washington Post

Wake up to joy, it entreats, before it’s too late.

From Washington Post

In one, a Milanese lawyer asks the Vatican to intervene in favor of his Jewish clients; another is from nuns entreating the Vatican to help a family of Jews travel to the United States.

From New York Times