supplicate

American  

[suhp-li-keyt] / ˈsʌp lɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object)

supplicated, supplicating

1. to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition.

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verb (used with object)

supplicated, supplicating

1. to pray humbly to; entreat or petition humbly.

   Synonyms:

   beseech, solicit, crave, implore

2. to seek or ask for by humble entreaty.

supplicate British  

/ ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to make a humble request to (someone); plead

2. (tr) to ask for or seek humbly

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Related Words

See appeal.

Other Word Forms

• nonsupplicating adjective
• presupplicate verb (used with object)
• supplicatingly adverb
• supplicatory adjective
• unsupplicated adjective
• unsupplicating adjective
• unsupplicatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of supplicate

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin supplicātus “knelt,” past participle of supplicāre “to kneel,” from supplic-, stem of supplex “submissive, suppliant” ( supple ) + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

Namo Buddha, I supplicate the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times and ten directions to bestow Their blessings upon Your Majesties.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2023

“All the statements from Kirill are constantly, ‘Let’s do things peacefully, lets pray and supplicate.’

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2022

And if it would help to fall at her feet and supplicate myself, I would.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2019

So dire was Britain's economic predicament that it had been humiliatingly obliged to supplicate for a loan from the International Monetary Fund.

From US News • Jul. 14, 2016

Mademoiselle grew bitter, and the King wished to end the scene; but she continued to supplicate him: "What, Sire, will you not yield to my tears?"

From Louis XIV and La Grande Mademoiselle 1652-1693 by Barine, Arvede