beseech

[bih-seech]

verb (used with object)

besought, beseeched, beseeching. 

1. to implore urgently.

   They besought him to go at once.

   Synonyms: adjure, supplicate, petition, pray, entreat

2. to beg eagerly for; solicit.

   Synonyms: importune

verb (used without object)

besought, beseeched, beseeching. 

1. to make urgent appeal.

   Earnestly did I beseech, but to no avail.

beseech

/ bɪˈsiːtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something or for something); beg

Other Word Forms

• beseechingly adverb
• beseecher noun
• beseeching adjective
• beseechingness noun
• unbeseeching adjective
• unbeseechingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of beseech¹

before 1100; Middle English bisechen, Old English besēcan. See be-, seek

Word History and Origins

Origin of beseech¹

C12: see _be- , _seek ; related to Old Frisian besēka

Example Sentences

"I really beseech the court to allow this trial to continue," he added.

From BBC

Little wonder the local community is beseeching the heavens for rain.

From BBC

Business and union leaders joined in publicly and privately, beseeching him not to go down this idiotic road.

From Los Angeles Times

The activists, from the Sunrise Movement, were there Sept. 23 to beseech Harris to stop promoting the extraction of fossil fuels.

From Los Angeles Times

I also besought Michael Harrison for his insights.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• implore