woo

[ woo ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek the favor, affection, or love of, especially with a view to marriage.

   Synonyms: chase, pursue, court

2. to seek to win:

   to woo fame.

   Synonyms: cultivate

3. to invite (consequences, whether good or bad) by one's own action; court:

   to woo one's own destruction.

4. to seek to persuade (a person, group, etc.), as to do something; solicit; importune.

   Synonyms: entreat, address, sue, petition

verb (used without object)

1. to seek the affection or love of someone, usually a woman; court:

   He was reminded of his youth when he went wooing.

2. to solicit favor or approval; entreat:

   Further attempts to woo proved useless.

woo

/ wuː /

verb

1. to seek the affection, favour, or love of (a woman) with a view to marriage
2. tr to seek after zealously or hopefully

   to woo fame

3. tr to bring upon oneself (good or evil results) by one's own action
4. tr to beg or importune (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈwooer, noun
• ˈwooing, noun

Other Words From

• wooer noun
• wooing·ly adverb
• un·wooed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English wowe, Old English wōgian; ultimate origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

Old English wōgian, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

see pitch woo .

Example Sentences

Prescott sometimes had an unconventional way of wooing voters, which on one famous occasion stretched to punching one of them.

From BBC

The move underscores concerns about the rule of law in Hong Kong as Chinese officials woo foreign investors, including top Wall Street executives, at an event this week.

From New York Times

Still, Gluesenkamp Perez does have some pointed advice as her party seeks to woo and win back the working-class voters who, for decades, were foundational to Democratic success.

From Los Angeles Times

The grandson of Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman and owner of a prestigious talent agency, he is seen as critical to wooing benefactors and corporate sponsors.

From Los Angeles Times

There will be a long line of teams trying to woo Sasaki.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cultivate
• pursue
• solicit